Andy Farrell

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton hailed how head coach Andy Farrell 'put his stamp' on the squad and how he has developed the team.

If they get fast ball into the hands of Finn Russell that can cause problems.” “I was lucky enough to work with him on Lions tours in 2013 and 2017 and then as assistant with Ireland. “The tactics and the strategy on the day will be the defining factor. “Their tactical kicking has to be really good too, smart kicking to the back-field and getting off the line to slow down the Scots. “We won championships under Joe but Andy came in and put his own stamp on it and changed the way we play, changed the way we approach things, changed the way we lead and changed the way we talk to each other. “He’s one of the best – what sets him apart is his attention to detail, his philosophy on the game and how he manages to be himself.”

Andy Farrell says Ireland will be fully prepared for the Grand Slam decider against England next weekend, even if they have a long injury list.

Regardless of what personnel is available, Ireland will be confident of securing the Grand Slam against a wounded England side. We know we've got a wounded England coming, so they're going to be dangerous as well next weekend. I bet Scotland didn't know what was going on when we came out with Josh [van der Flier] throwing in and Ronan [Kelleher] on the pitch. There was controversy all over that game, straight from the word go with Calean Doris coming off. Josh van der Flier was the one throwing the ball into the line-out from this point, something he did brilliantly. Andy Farrell's side suffered an incredible amount of injuries, especially early in the game.

Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton talk to the gathered media after Ireland's win during the Six Nations against Scotland.

Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton talk to the gathered media after Ireland's win during the Six Nations against Scotland. Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton post-match

Ireland's versatility and ability to adapt in times of duress is a key part of their success, coach Andy Farrell said after they played for most of the ...

If we get any more injuries in the week we might have to have a look at Old Belvedere Under-12s," Farrell joked. "It was a monumental effort but that's what these boys expect of each other. "A bit of organised chaos at halftime, but everyone had a smile on their face.

There are some things in rugby you just cannot plan for, even if you're an Ireland side that has learned to roll with the punches under Andy Farrell's ...

That came on 72 minutes and still Ireland found the energy, resilience and composure to press for a fourth try. I just thought for somebody like Garry on his 50th cap, that we're able to do a special performance with all the (disruption). And still Ireland are in position to bid for a Grand Slam against England on home soil in Dublin this Saturday having overcome their toughest encounter of the competition so far. Referee Luke Pearce awarded the try only for his assistant to intervene by telling him the Scots had used a different ball for the quick throw than the one put into touch. With three props on the field, Cian Healy having replaced Kelleher, and flanker Josh van der Flier taking over lineout throwing, Ireland still managed to power ahead after drawing the post-interval sting from Scotland. Yet Ireland’s head coach had every reason to be justified in his assessment that this was a victory that ranked as the best he has been involved in.

The Irish lost five players during the game at Murrayfield.

“The first half was a very good Test match – a very good Test match that went end to end. “It is just disappointing that the second half was not as competitive or the same energy level from us and Ireland got ahead. “The players were a bit deflated they were not leading at half-time but that happens. It was deserved for somebody like Garry on his 50th cap that we were able to do a special performance against all the controversy.” We didn’t know what was happening until the last second, whether Ronan was coming back on or not and we made half a plan with Cian. “It was immense, the character,” said Farrell.

Andy Farrell praised the character of his Grand Slam-chasing Ireland side after they overcame the loss of five players to injury on their way to a ...

"The first half was a very good Test match - a very good Test match that went end to end. "It is just disappointing that the second half was not as competitive or the same energy level from us and Ireland got ahead. "The players were a bit deflated they were not leading at half-time but that happens. "I was texting his mother and father, there, because they're very concerned," he said. "Obviously it wasn't champagne rugby all round but as far as character and fight and want for each other, that's the best game I've ever been involved in. By that point, the Irish were on course for a crucial victory after tries from Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Jack Conan cancelled out Huw Jones' score for the Scots.

The warning comes following Ireland's victory over Scotland which has left them one win away from glory.

"We’ll recover properly tomorrow and then a few down days to make sure that we get our legs back and then we’ll have a hit-out or two and we’ll get our plan together and go again. Probably not," said Farrell. "That's the reality, so that will be a massive motivation for them. "Did they surprise me? "They will certainly be hurting and, I mean, it's a perfect opportunity to come and spoil the party," said Farrell. "We made half a plan with Cian going to scrummage, because he's good at that and that paid off for us.