Six Nations 2026: Triple Crown clash ‘huge’ for Ireland – Andy Farrell

Farrell also praised the adaptability of Ulster side Tom O’Toole, who produced an impressive performance against Wales on Friday, rather than his usual position at tighthead.

“It’s amazing what he did. It’s a lot harder than people think,” Farrell said.

“What’s really impressive is how committed he is to not having any excuses in his mind. It’s very easy to do. You can say, ‘Well, that’s not the position I was playing in.’

“Everyone knows how difficult it is to switch, but he committed to it and we saw that kind of amazing performance in training, and he got us some penalties on the back of that.”

Farrell welcomed the flexibility offered by O’Toole’s ability to play on both sides of the party.

“There are always things going through your mind about what could happen on track. The different permutations that can happen due to injury, do you need a double converter in a World Cup, all that kind of stuff.

“He’s trained there before but to be there at the deep end, I’m sure he and John Fogarty wouldn’t have thought six months ago that he’d be starting with his head in a Test match.

“But I think this is a great story for us moving forward.”

The 2025 British and Irish Lions coach admits he may have a selection headache when everyone in the front row is fit again, including Andrew Porter.

“It’s huge [in terms of possible World Cup selection]. The dynamics will continue to play out in front of our faces but you have the ‘ports’. [Andrew Porter] Who can play on both sides, you’ve got Tom O’Toole, who can do that, and you’ve got all the young players out there who will continue to compete.

“So when we get them all back, I mean it’s been a nightmare as far as this situation goes, but when they all come back, it’s going to stand up to us.”