The direct response from Andy Farrell when asked if the Boks’ 7-1 gave him reason to “pause”.

If the attention surrounding the Springboks’ lauded 7-1 split on the bench is affecting Andy Farrell, the Ireland head coach, he most certainly isn’t showing it.

The media has focused heavily on Jacques Nienaber’s preference for a bench that heavily favors forwards as the two teams prepare for their titanic matchup in Paris this weekend.

Naturally, Farrell was questioned about the peculiar South African strategy mentioned in the announcement of the Ireland team, and he made no attempt to duck the question.

It’s great, I think,” Farrell said.
“It obviously works for them, and they clearly understand their squad and what works for them, just as we do. I did ask our forwards coaches if we should play with seven backs and one forward, but they weren’t interested, which I think demonstrates that they have a clear idea of where they want to go with their game plan.
“.

More specifically, he questioned if it had given him pause for thought.
Farrell’s reply was direct and succinct.

“No, not at all, never.
“.

Also, the 48-year-old coach does not believe that his players are under any additional pressure as a result of the 7-1 split.

“I do not think that [putting pressure on the Ireland players] is at all appropriate.”. I have a good deal of faith in the five forwards we have available to us as we come off the bench, their impact, and the style of game we’ll play.

“As far as that is concerned, it has no bearing.
With the seven-one split, we were able to analyze them, and not much has changed.
They are obviously in better shape than we are, and they dominated the set pieces in that game [a warm-up test against New Zealand], but we would support our players in doing the same.

I’m not sure, but it doesn’t really bother me.
It only concerns the two of us.
To defeat the world champions, who are in excellent shape, we must perform well.
Except for us, our team, management, and Irish people everywhere, I believe everyone believes they are the favorites and will prevail in this match.
Given their recent performance in games, I can understand why.
However, that is not how we think. We are prepared for a challenging battle, and it will unfold naturally.
“.

“There are countless possible permutations.
You can’t cover everything, even with a five-three split.
You must, however, be flexible, which is something we have worked very hard at with our planning over the past few years.
They must have done the same thing with the seven-one split, I suppose. I adore it and respect it.
I appreciate that they are aware of their team’s strengths and weaknesses and brought four scrum-halves and a hooker who hasn’t really played in that specific position before.
It demonstrates that they are aware of their players and the course they want to take. Hopefully they feel the same way about us.
“.