Ireland vs Australia: ‘He deserves it’ – Andy Farrell on picking Sam Prendergast over Jack Crowley
Saturday’s match, arranged to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), will see Farrell face off against his predecessor Joe Schmidt, who took over as Australia head coach in January.
Schmidt won three Six Nations titles during a successful spell in charge of Leinster County and recorded his first victory over the All Blacks in six years as Ireland manager.
Farrell said Schmidt “deserves all the accolades and probably more” for his “extraordinary” achievements in Ireland.
“When you look at his whole experience in Dublin, he was the most successful coach in Irish rugby,” Farrell added.
“We have a lot to thank him for and I think it’s a good story that we can celebrate this game with him.
“I’m very grateful to Joe and David Nucifora (former IRFU High Performance Director) for giving me this opportunity and bringing me here.
“More than anything, the experience I gained under Joe, seeing how he did things inside, was priceless to me and everyone who was coached by him. It was an honor.
“Playing against him in New Zealand it wasn’t as noticeable because he wasn’t the head coach, but that’s because you could see his DNA anyway.
“We’ve been here for a while before and it’s a bit different when he comes back to these shores because he should be celebrated for everything he’s done for Irish rugby.”
