Bernard Jackman: What Ireland have had to face in the build up to this year's Six Nations is another level of adversity

"Andy Farrell is always stressing to his players that they need to embrace the chaos and challenges that rugby throws at you. He famously wanted a three-Test tour in New Zealand with two midweek games against the Maori, just to top it off, a couple of summers ago. But what he and his squad have had to face in the build up to this year's Six Nations is another level of adversity."

"Andy Farrell is always stressing to his players that they need to embrace the chaos and challenges that rugby throws at you."

Andy Farrell consistently tells his players to embrace chaos and the challenges that rugby presents. He pursued a demanding three-Test tour in New Zealand that included two midweek games against the Maori as an additional challenge a couple of summers ago. His selection of tough schedules reflects a philosophy of testing squad resilience and adaptability. The current run-up to the Six Nations has presented the squad with even greater adversity than those previous challenges. The increased difficulties have required intensified physical, tactical and mental preparation from players and staff alike.

Read at Independent