Five things we learned from Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign
Nations.
Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign ended in disappointment with a 40-21 defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park, but Andy Farrell’s side still leave the southern hemisphere with plenty to reflect on.
There were moments that underlined just how much potential this squad has, but there were also reminders that there is still work to do before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Here are five of the biggest talking points from Ireland’s campaign.
1. Ireland are not quite at the level of the world’s best
The biggest lesson from the tour was that Ireland remain just short of rugby’s elite.
The All Blacks exposed that gap in Auckland. While Ireland had periods of possession and territory, New Zealand were sharper, more clinical and punished almost every mistake.
It wasn’t simply a case of one poor performance. The game highlighted that Ireland still need to find another level physically, defensively and in attack if they want to consistently challenge the likes of New Zealand, South Africa and France.
The foundations are there, but the final step is often the hardest.
2. Sean Jansen has arrived
If there was one player whose stock rose more than anyone else’s, it was Sean Jansen.
Just a few years ago he was struggling to find opportunities in New Zealand after falling outside the Super Rugby pathway. Fast forward to now and he has made his Ireland debut, collected the Player of the Match award in his first Test and fulfilled a lifelong dream by facing the All Blacks in an Ireland jersey.
He carried aggressively, tackled relentlessly and looked completely at home at international level.
Ireland suddenly look to have another genuine option in the back row, and one with plenty of room to develop over the coming years.
3. Competition for places is exactly what Ireland need
The tour also proved that no jersey should be guaranteed.
Several players grabbed their opportunities and forced themselves firmly into Andy Farrell’s thinking.
The competition across the back row is becoming fierce, while players throughout the squad showed they are capable of stepping into the Test arena.
That depth will become increasingly important as Ireland build towards 2027. Injuries are inevitable over a World Cup cycle, and Farrell now has more players he can trust than he did a year ago.
Healthy competition has always driven successful international teams, and Ireland appear to be building exactly that.
4. The lineout still needs work
Not every issue was solved during the campaign.
Ireland’s lineout continued to be inconsistent throughout the tournament, with costly errors disrupting attacking momentum and handing possession back to the opposition at key moments.
Against the very best teams, those mistakes are punished.
The scrum showed encouraging signs, but the lineout remains an area that Ireland simply have to tighten up before facing the biggest sides in world rugby.
It’s fixable, but it needs to improve.
5. The World Cup picture is becoming clearer
Perhaps the biggest positive from the campaign is that Ireland now have a much clearer idea of where they stand.
Some players enhanced their reputations. Others still have questions to answer.
The fly-half debate remains one of the biggest talking points heading into the next phase of the World Cup cycle, while there are still selection decisions to be made in several positions.
What this campaign did show is that Ireland are building a squad rather than simply relying on a starting XV.
That could prove invaluable over the next 18 months.
Final thoughts
Nobody enjoys losing, particularly to New Zealand, but international rugby is rarely defined by a single result.
This campaign provided valuable experience, answered several important selection questions and gave a number of players the opportunity to prove they belong at Test level.
Ireland return home knowing they are moving in the right direction.
The challenge now is finding that extra five or 10 per cent that separates very good teams from champions.
