# Ireland must step up for World Cup countdown – Farrell

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ireland-must-step-up-for-world-cup-countdown-farrell/
- Published: 2026-11-05T08:08:42+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T09:35:32+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c62e90nmdyzvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- Farrell says Ireland are not yet ready to travel believing they can win the World Cup.
- Ireland have won six of eight Tests in 2026 but suffered heavy defeats by France and New Zealand.
- Four consecutive weeks of matches are intended to prepare the squad for next year’s tournament.

## Summary

Andy Farrell says Ireland must improve across their game before they can realistically target winning next year’s Rugby World Cup. Despite six wins from eight Tests in 2026, heavy defeats by France and New Zealand have exposed the gap they need to close.

Ireland face four matches in consecutive weeks this month, including Tests against Argentina, Fiji and world champions South Africa, followed by a Nations Championship finals fixture. Farrell says the demanding schedule can prepare them for a World Cup in Australia with seven games in seven weeks; Argentina, who have never won in Dublin in 11 visits, arrive with 12 changes and new defence coach Shaun Edwards.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.