Farrell emphasises discipline ahead of series decider

Andy Farrell’s charges have an enormous opportunity to create history by becoming the first Irish outfit to defeat the All Blacks in a series in New Zealand.  

Last weekend, another piece of history was forged when Ireland managed to topple the All Black giants for the first time on the latter’s home soil with a 23-12 victory, levelling the series in the process after the All Blacks’ 32-17 win in the first Test.  

After naming his team for the third and final Test in Wellington, Farrell emphasised the importance of discipline. 

“Discipline’s huge in any game and we have a very experienced referee [Wayne Barnes] who we know very well. I hope that discipline’s not part of the reason why there’s a result that goes either way, for both teams,” he said. 

“It’s not for me to comment on the All Blacks, it’s up to me to make sure that our guys understand what the rules are. Whether you agree with them or not, you’ve got to adhere by them. That’s it. 

“I think we can debate when this series os over, and as the Southern Hemisphere rolls over into the Rugby Championship we can debate that after this. But the rules for us now are clear. 

“To be fair, we’re not a side that really plays on the edge. We’re a side that respects being disciplined so that we can’t give the opposition an edge, as far as that’s concerned. 

“It works both ways for some people. Some love playing on the edge and putting the referees under pressure. We tend to be a side that likes a low penalty so therefore we can dominate territory in that way as well.”