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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Andy Farrell 'over' famous New Zealand win as focus turns to Argentina

Andy Farrell insists he is "over" Ireland's All Blacks win and only has eyes for Argentina now.

Ireland's head coach is keen to move on after the rousing 29-20 victory last Saturday, and he has made four changes - all in the backline, and three of them involving injured players coming out - for the Pumas clash.

“Honestly, I’m certainly over it," said Farrell. "As coaches and as players we are really pleased with the way the week has gone.

"We know the type of emotion that is coming our way this weekend because it is their last game of the season and we know what type of battle it is going to be.

"We’ll dust everything off over the next couple of weeks and see where we are with reviews etc but it’s full steam ahead this week.

“We don’t give ourselves a chance to think where we’re at because the key for us is to assess the game, like we always do, and reset the button to go again because this is a tough test match coming up and we all know that.”

Farrell is backing Robbie Henshaw to hit the ground running after naming him alongside Garry Ringrose at centre.

As expected, the Munster pair Joey Carbery and Conor Murray are the half-backs in the absence of the injured Johnny Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park.

Ulster's Robert Baloucoune replaces Andrew Conway on the right wing and Leinster's Henshaw, who hasn't played at all since the Lions tour due to a foot injury, is deemed fit enough to come in for Bundee Aki, who needs a break due to some injury issues.

Ireland's Keith Earls and head coach Andy Farrell celebrate the victory over the All Blacks (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

"He has a couple of things he needs to nurse, nothing too serious, but he has really dug in for us over the last few weeks. He deserves a rest," said Farrell.

Henshaw's selection is interesting given his lack of game time, and this is a difficult Test to return for, given the Pumas' backline threat.

"In my experience, world-class players can come back in without much game time and just be themselves,"Farrell remarked. "Robbie, in my opinion, is exactly that.

"He's been in and around camp over the last two weeks, back fully training for around 10 days or so.

"He looked great in training today and I'm sure he's going to add to the performance.

“Selection is the same every week, it’s making sure we get the balance right. We have forced changes and one or two that we want to have a look at as well. The enforced changes at half-back changes things up a little bit.

“We are excited to see Conor back, and Joey, and starting in the team with a good forward pack behind him and obviously Robbie coming back in as well.

"It’s great for him and the team and seeing Robert Baloucoune getting his chance on the wing.

“As I said, it’s about getting the balance right and making sure those lads can do their job properly.”

Carbery will be backed up by Harry Byrne in the out-half role and, in all, there are two 22-year-olds and two 23-year-olds on the bench, with Dan Sheehan, Tom O'Toole, Craig Casey and Byrne hoping their chance will come at some stage.

“I think it’s nice for Joey and it’s also nice for the two young lads on the bench coming on to a pack like that with all the experience that comes with it.

Ireland's Joey Carbery takes possession against the All Blacks (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

"Having said all that, we are two games in and it is pretty tough at this type of level for any team and the pack is important as far as the set-piece is concerned, certainly against a pack like Argentina.”

But others haven't got a chance to shine in a Test game this month and now won't do, such as Simon Zebo, following his return from France, and young Leinster star Ciaran Frawley.

Farrell has spoken to them all this week, describing the conversations as "honest".

He said: “They know exactly where they are at. I have had individual conversations with all of them.

“It is difficult for them, there is no doubt about that. Selection should be difficult and the conversations I have had with all of them, selection is in their own hands, don't let it be a 50-50 (call).

“Go back now to your provinces and let's see what you are made of, see where camp, the training, everything they have picked up.

“Not just from how we play, but how they pick up stuff off each other. It will be there for all to see, won't it, in the next couple of months.

"So, we are interested, like always, how people transfer from camp to club form ASAP and keep that going to want to get back into the room for the Six Nations.”

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