Farrell tells Ireland to be bold in Six Nations bid

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell insists the Guinness Six Nations title remains “there to be won” and has urgedhisplayerstobefearless in pursuit of glory.

The Irish were left to stew on a chastening 24-12 defeat by England during lockdown after the coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of matches against Italy and France.

Tournament bosses have announced the outstanding fixtures will take place in late October, with Ireland requiring two bonuspoint wins for a chance of championship success.

Farrell, who suffered the first defeat of his reign at Twickenham on 23 February, admits his side face an uphill task but wants to be left with no regrets.

“There is a little bit of destiny in your own hands, although it will be a tough old task with the games that have to come,” he told irishrugby.ie.

“We were gutted that the competition didn’t keep rolling on because obviously after a disappointing game against England the only thing that the boys wanted to do was get back on the horse again.

“We’ve got to perform against Italy first, we have to get what we want out of that game and they are goingtobetoughfirstgame up. All the lads are aware what is coming around the corner for them, in so far as the big games for the provinces first which will get them selected to get them back into that Six Nations and it’s there to be won.

“We’ve got to be hungry to do that and not be frightened by that.”

Italy visit Dublin on 24 October, with Ireland travelling to Paris to face France a week later. England top the standings with 13 points, ahead of France on points difference, with fourth-placed Ireland four points adrift.

Following the conclusion of that competition, Ireland’s fixture list will continue during an expanded autumn schedule. Fiji and Japan are understood to be joining the Six Nations sides for an eight-team tournament, replacing the traditional internationals against the southern hemisphere’s top sides.