Irish out to make a statement in Cardiff
Andy Farrell says Ireland must make a statement of intent against Wales today to demonstrate their Guinness Six Nations title credentials.
The Irish return to Cardiff for the first time since a 25-7 defeat in 2019 saw the Welsh replace them as Grand Slam champions.
Head coach Farrell was unable to help his adopted country reclaim the crown during an inconsistent first year in the job, eventually finishing a prolonged tournament third behind England and France.
After twice comprehensively beating Wales in Dublin during 2020, Farrell wants Ireland to lay down a marker at the Principality Stadium to kickstart the quest for glory.
“We can talk about how well we’ve trained – I suppose every team does that – but it’s about performance now,” said Englishman Farrell.
“Starting off a competition well is key, getting the victory in the Six Nations is key. This is a competition that everyone wants to win at the start.
“The main thing for us is about the continuity of our performance, getting all of our bits right and making sure they all come together in the right format.
“Having a proper intent and showing our want to try to win this competition right from the get-go is key for us.”
Meanwhile, Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones says he has had “a pretty seamless” recovery from injury ahead of his comeback against Ireland.
Jones will make his first appearance in Wales or Ospreys colours since suffering a knee injury during the Autumn Nations Cup victory over Italy nine weeks ago.
He goes straight back into Test match action with Wales targeting a strong start to their Six Nations campaign following last year’s poor fifth- placed finish and an overall run of just three wins in 10 games.
“I had a good recovery and – touch wood – it has been pretty seamless in terms of its progression and the staged return,” Jones said.
“I was fully prepared to play in the Connacht game (for the Ospreys). I’ve been fortunate enough to get the nod for the game.
“I have been a bit frustrated, really, because it was a similar period for me post-world Cup in 2019.
“This injury was just someone falling on me. It has been a bit more frustrating, but I am relishing the chance to get back into it properly.”