Farrell and Schmidt Poised for Competitive Encounter

Ulster coach Richie Murphy has stated his belief that Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell and his Australian counterpart Joe Schmidt “would like to get one up on each other” when their respective teams face off at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday. Schmidt previously served as Ireland’s coach for six years, beginning in 2013. Farrell acted as his assistant during the final three years of the New Zealander’s time in charge, subsequently assuming the head coaching position after the 2019 World Cup. Murphy, having previously collaborated closely with both coaches in his capacities as Ireland’s skills and kicking coach and later as Ireland Under-20s coach, holds them in high esteem. Murphy informed BBC Sport NI, stating, “They’re two amazing coaches. Over the course of the last week I’ve been on the phone texting both of them.” He further commented, “I think Joe Schmidt was the catalyst and the start of a lot of good things in Irish rugby and Andy has taken it on from there and done an extremely good job.” Murphy added, “He has brought his own personality onto it. In phase attack he’s really driven Ireland on.” Australia recently experienced a 27-13 defeat against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, following earlier victories over England and Wales during their autumn international fixtures. Schmidt assumed leadership of the Wallabies in January of this year, having previously served as a selector and assistant coach for the All Blacks. Murphy observed, “Joe’s attention to detail is second to none. You can still see elements of his coaching from when he was in Ireland in that Australian team. They have become much more disciplined, they have much more pattern to what they’re doing.” He further noted, “They were beaten at the weekend but they’ve been pretty good over this period.” The upcoming summer encounter, where Farrell will coach the British and Irish Lions and Schmidt will lead Australia, further intensifies the anticipation for their Dublin match. The Ulster coach concluded by stating, “The two of them get on very well. Well they always did when I was there but I’d say deep down both would like to get one up on each other. It’ll be very interesting to see how it goes.”