SM
Monday, December 23
Upcoming predictions and previews
Rugby World Cup | Group Stage
Sep 28, 2019 at 8.15am UK
 
Japan
19-12
Ireland
Fukuoka (59')
FT
Ringrose (14'), Kearney (21')

Chris Farrell looking to show off improvement at World Cup

:Headline: Chris Farrell looking to show off improvement at World Cup: ID:372738: from db_amp
Farrell is pleased to be showing all sides of his game.

Chris Farrell is relishing the chance to prove he is far more than just a "crash-ball merchant" at the World Cup.

The Munster centre has been enjoying the banter from his Ireland team-mates, who have joked that Farrell's talents only extend as far as his power running game.

Club team-mate Dave Kilcoyne revealed the 26-year-old has been the butt of jokes among the squad, but Farrell himself knows that light-hearted grief only serves to underscore just how far his game has developed in the last two years.

Chris Farrell, pictured, is ready to keep starring for Ireland (Donall Farmer/PA)

"He's got a bit of slagging for being a bit of a crash-ball merchant from the others, so he's obviously wanted to prove a point!" joked prop Kilcoyne, of Farrell's playing style.

Belfast-born Ulster academy product Farrell had to head out to France and Grenoble to take his career to the next level.

In 2014 when he traded Northern Ireland for France, Farrell felt his chance of a Test career with Ireland was over.

But head coach Joe Schmidt kept in regular contact with him, offering constructive criticism on how he could improve.

“He's got a bit of slagging for being a bit of a crash-ball merchant from the others, so he's obviously wanted to prove a point”
- Dave Kilcoyne on Chris Farrell

Adding finesse to his highly-effective bludgeon has helped Farrell elevate his career, and now the eight-cap international is thriving in the Ireland ranks.

"Coming back to Ireland I've improved the basics massively," said Farrell.

"In France they might not put so much emphasis on the basics, but coming back here you just realise how important those things are.

"And that's one thing I think has certainly improved, and that's huge as well.

"Especially in these high-pressure games, basics really have to come to the fore, you've got to look after the ball, you've got to do the simple things well.

"The best teams do those things well. You can build your game on that."

Bundee Aki has passed all his head injury checks and returned to full training, leaving the Connacht centre available for selection for Saturday's Pool A clash with hosts Japan in Shizuoka.

Ireland may opt not to risk Aki however and hand the 29-year-old the chance to prepare for clashes later on in the group stage.

Robbie Henshaw is unlikely to be ready to return after hamstring trouble, so Farrell could be well placed for more World Cup action.

After impressing off the bench in the 27-3 win over Scotland having replaced Aki early on, Farrell hailed the strength of Ireland's centre cordon.

Bundee Aki has recovered from a head injury issue (Lorraine O'Sullivan/PA)

"We've got a competitive area, but we've had a few injuries there too, so whatever combination we have we're all comfortable and know each other's roles so we feed off each other," said Farrell.

"I grew up as a 12 at Ulster, playing a lot of 12 there. So whether you're at 12 or 13, you've got to know each role and you've got to understand what a 12 wants from you so that you can be a better 13 and vice versa.

"So in this group you've got to be able to do either."

amp_article__372738 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-09-25 10:27:01:
html db last update - 2019-09-25 10:27:01 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Chris Farrell

Click here for more stories about Ireland

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .