Loss to France ‘has to stand to’ Ireland – Farrell

Loss to France ‘has to stand to’ Ireland – FarrellImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ireland lost 36-14 to France in Paris to start their 2026 Six NationsPublished48 minutes agoIreland head coach Andy Farrell says his side’s humbling defeat by France on Thursday will be “for nothing” if they do not get a response against Italy next weekend.Ireland were beaten 36-14 at the Stade de France to begin their 2026 Six Nations campaign in a game when Farrell was without several regular starters through injury.The loss, however, was Ireland’s fourth defeat by double-digits in the past 12 months and the side have now dropped to fifth in the world rankings, their lowest position since March 2022.”I stated during the week that whatever happens it has to stand to us because it’s another experience for a different enough group, with all the injuries,” stated Farrell.”[It was a] first for people who are not established internationally just yet. That has to stand to us down the line.”Media caption, France comfortably beat Ireland in Six Nations openerDespite Ireland’s struggles against the game’s biggest sides – they have lost seven of their past nine against France, South Africa, New Zealand and England – they have not been beaten by anyone other than that quartet since February 2021. The side will, therefore, be expected to get back on track against Italy in Dublin on 14 February, but Farrell says whatever the result there needs to be a “response” to the France performance back at the Aviva Stadium.”I think it was going to be challenging anyway,” he stated. “Italy are not the Italy of old. I think we all realise that. I think they’re a good team.”We know that we need to be on point to beat them, but there has to be a response to this, otherwise it’s for nothing.”Ireland v Italy2026 Six NationsSaturday, 14 February, 14:10 GMTAviva Stadium, DublinListen on Sounds