Farrell: Dublin losers are winners

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Andy Farrell says the side that loses Saturday’s Test between Ireland and the Springboks could come out stronger when the two teams meet again in next year’s World Cup.

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The Springboks face Ireland – presently ranked world No 1 – at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Adding extra spice to the fixture is not only that it will be the world cup holders against the current top-ranked team in the world, but also that both nations are in the same World Cup pool and will clash again in France 2023.

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After naming his Ireland team to face the Boks, coach Farrell explained why there could be more to gain for the team that loses on Saturday.

“There wll be lessons learned,” he said.

“The team that loses I think will learn a little bit more as to which direction to take both in play and personnel terms.

“That is why I think this Test is priceless.”

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Ireland go into the match on the back of a historic 2-1 series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand.

“They are a different challenge for us from the All Blacks,” said Farrell. “It will help us down the track 100 percent. They will play to their strengths and they are a world-class side.

“It doesn’t get any bigger and this is called living properly. There’s no better time to be an Irish rugby player.

“It doesn’t get any better and when the Springboks are in town, everyone gets super excited and we know what’s coming.”

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Photo: Twitter: @Springboks

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Dylan Jack