With the 2023 Six Nations just two weeks away, buzz has been growing exponentially every day as we gear up for what should be a particularly special tournament.
While it feels like this is said before every edition of the competition, it rings very true in 2023, with it being a World Cup year, Netflix being in town, and the sensational return of Warren Gatland and sacking of Eddie Jones.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was asked whether we would see an improvement from England after their coaching changes, and he was adamant that his former Saracens teammate Steve Borthwick would provide his team with 'an immediate bounce.'
Immediately, 100 per cent. Steve is a very bright bloke and some of the things that he has already done will make a difference.
“He is obviously listening to people and is very connected. He knows exactly what is going on the squad, just like Eddie did when he took over from Stuart (Lancaster). I expect there to be an immediate bounce.
Andy Farrell Backs Old Colleague Steve Borthwick
7 December 2016; British & Irish Lions assistant coaches, from left, Steve Borthwick, Andy Farrell, and Rob Howley with head coach Warren Gatland, right, during the announcement of the British & Irish Lions management team at Carton House in Maynooth, Co Kildare. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
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"It’s about how we go out there and perform, how we are fighting together to improve," added Farrell when asked about Ireland's hopes for the tournament.
"Internally that is the main thing for is, being honest of where we are at and what we need to get better at and it’s very evident to us how our performances have gone over the last year of where we need to improve and get better at so hopefully that looks after itself.
"Whether it does or it doesn’t the pressure is more internally than anything. At the same time, if the pressure from the outside starts to seep in a little bit it’s good for us to be able to deal with that.
"We want to get better for what’s down the track for obvious reasons and dealing with a different type of pressure is going to be priceless for us going forward."
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