Six Nations 2026: “The whole team thinks it’s their team” – Irish coach Farrell

Ireland coach Andy Farrell feels his side’s teamwork has been key to three successive Six Nations wins after suffering an opening night defeat to France.

A hard-fought 27-17 bonus-point win over Wales in Dublin on Friday night sets up a Triple Crown play-off against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on March 14, with both sides also gunning for the title heading into the final round of fixtures.

Ireland have used 33 players in this year’s tournament so far, but Farrell says there is solidarity among the group leading the team.

“You have to get to know people other than these people [caps] Not freebies – we gave starts and opportunities to people who deserved them.

“It just shows that the whole team is hungry to be a part of it, and to grow the team.

“It’s nice to feel like the whole team thinks it’s their team and they’re all trying to contribute moving forward.”

Farrell singled out some of the players who particularly impressed him in the win over Wales, several of whom also contributed positively in the big win over England at Twickenham two weeks ago.

“For people to support doing well at this level that they haven’t had much exposure to, that’s pretty impressive,” he said.

“We’re probably talking about Robert Baloconi. To have a performance like he did last game and then back him up this week is what you want.

“I thought Jack Conan was a little upset [after missing the England game because of illness]to get off to a really good start.

“I thought Josh [van der Flier] He was good off the bench, and Joe McCarthy was really good off the bench, so it’s good to keep playing with a few people and get more consistency at this level.