Ireland 22-19 Australia: ‘No emotion’ for Andy Farrell in winning send-off before Lions sabbatical

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Ireland 22-19 Australia: ‘No emotion’ for Andy Farrell in winning send-off before Lions sabbatical

Farrell’s opposite number in next year’s Lions series will be Joe Schmidt, his predecessor in Dublin, who narrowly missed out on a winning return to Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Schmidt, who won three Six Nations titles in six years as Ireland boss, replaced Eddie Jones following Australia’s disastrous World Cup campaign.

And while the autumn campaign has ended with back-to-back defeats after starting with wins over England and Wales, Schmidt says he is “heartened” by the progress his squad have made ahead of the Lions series.

“Maybe not yet,” was his honest assessment when asked if Australia are “ready” to take on the Lions.

“But I think and I hope our supporters and supporters of the Lions can see enough in what we’ve delivered in these last four weeks to think that they’re going to be entertained and that it’s going to be a contest.

“So, that’s what I’d love to see and maybe not yet. We’ve still got some work to do for sure and I felt that there were times tonight where we’ve still got some guys who’ve only played a couple of Tests and they’re still learning.”

Australia will not play again until the summer but Schmidt believes they can maintain their cohesion and momentum.

“They’re not going to get a lot of learning as far as Test matches are concerned next year, but the Super Rugby window will be great for them to build again,” he added.

“I’ve got to say the Super Rugby coaches, I talk to them often and we’re going to try to keep building that momentum.

“By the time the Lions arrive, I’m hoping next July that you’ll see a Wallaby team worthy of taking them on head on.”

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