Ireland rugby: Farrell demands improvement in ‘every area’ before World Cup

Ireland rugby head coach Andy Farrell says his team are not yet at the level required to travel to the 2027 World Cup with complete belief they can win it.

Farrell wants improvement across the side as Ireland begin a four-match November programme against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday. Kick-off is 8.10pm GMT.

His assessment is a challenge to the squad rather than a dismissal of its potential. With a year to prepare for the tournament in Australia, Farrell believes the work still required should excite his players.

Andy Farrell challenges Ireland to raise their level

Asked where Ireland need to improve, Farrell said: “The obvious thing and the boring thing to say is every area.”

He acknowledged that Ireland are already a good team, but argued that taking the next step requires ambition and hunger from individuals as well as the group.

In comments reported by RTÉ Sport, Farrell questioned whether their current level would justify travelling to Australia with complete confidence in their ability to win the tournament.

His answer was no. However, he welcomed the challenge of changing that assessment over the next 12 months.

Ireland’s most recent Test ended in a 40-21 defeat against New Zealand in Auckland. Friday offers their first opportunity to show how they have responded.

November schedule offers World Cup preparation

Ireland face Argentina, Fiji and South Africa in Dublin before a Nations Championship finals fixture at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Four successive weekends of international rugby will test their ability to recover, adapt and maintain standards against different opponents.

That consistency is central to Farrell’s World Cup preparations. He wants Ireland to deliver in major matches week after week, with supporters able to see greater energy and competitiveness.

The expanded 2027 World Cup runs from 1 October to 13 November across six weeks and seven weekends. A team reaching the final will play seven matches, with a new round of 16 replacing one of the previous format’s pool fixtures.

Ireland team news: Casey and Timoney handed opportunities

Craig Casey starts at scrum-half against Argentina, while Nick Timoney takes the openside flanker role. Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier are among the replacements.

Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird and Mack Hansen return to the starting side, with Dan Sheehan captaining Ireland.

Sean Jansen starts at number eight in the absence of Caelan Doris and Jack Conan. Sam Prendergast has been passed fit to partner Casey after a wrist concern.

The IRFU’s confirmed team announcement also names Sam Illo among the replacements as he prepares for a possible home debut.

Argentina bring a familiar threat to Dublin

Argentina have never beaten Ireland in Dublin, but they defeated Farrell’s British and Irish Lions at the Aviva Stadium in 2025.

Felipe Contepomi’s side therefore arrive with recent evidence that they can produce a major performance at the venue. The arrival of defence coach Shaun Edwards adds another element to their preparation.

Farrell has stressed Argentina’s ability to beat leading opponents on their day. For Ireland, the challenge is to turn his demand for improvement into a performance against a side capable of punishing lapses.

Read our Ireland vs Argentina TV channel and kick-off guide for UK television, streaming and match details.