IRELAND HEAD COACH Andy Farrell has backed his Ireland team to 'go full throttle' when the Autumn Nations series gets going next week.
Farrell's side have had an excellent year beating England away, New Zealand at home, and New Zealand away in a full series for the first time ever.
The good form has propelled Ireland to the best side in the world, and Farrell believes that Ireland can use their rank to their advantage when the face the world champions next week. Ireland also play Fiji and Australia
The event is seen as ample preparation for next year's World Cup in France in 2023,
Robbie Henshaw scores Ireland's third try against New Zealand (Image: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)"We should embrace it a little bit, using it as a weapon for us," said Farrell
"There’s no saying whether we will be number one after the first game or the second game, but let’s embrace it, go after it, use it.
"I don’t want to be number two. What are we waiting for? Let’s go after it full throttle and see where we’re at."
However next week's test against South Africa represents a huge test for Ireland despite the recent success.
Ireland's last win over South Africa was in the 2017 Autumn Nations Series. Joe Schmidt' side won 38-3 in the Aviva that time
Since then, South Africa have gone onto to win the World Cup and have become one of the most powerful and physical sides in the world
Farell believes that New Zealand experience from the summer will prepare them from the tough test next week
"We wanted New Zealand to be in a position where they never lose twice in a row, they have their injuries back, they never lose a home series.
"We want that to see where we’re at. That’s why I hope South Africa and ourselves are at our best.
"The result will take care of itself but at least we’ll keep finding out about ourselves. That’s what we want to do. That’s how we keep progressing - not necessarily just on the scoreboard.
"Belief comes from understanding what you’re trying to achieve.
"Is the evolution of a game finding new things or just doing things better? Because we’re nowhere near what we’re trying to achieve now. We’re nowhere near spot on.
"We can get better at so many things that we’ve started to do. So, making sure that we keep getting better at those things is important to us as well.”
"We want South Africa to be at their best, we want ourselves to be too," he added.
"We constantly want to test ourselves, see where we’re constantly at. We hope that they come and they’re as strong as they possibly can be and put out a great performance as they can.
"That’s how we get to find out about ourselves."
🗣️ "It's great to be back in and have this week to get back up and running."
Head Coach Andy Farrell spoke to the media earlier as we kick off prep for the @bankofireland Nations Series 🟢#TeamOfUs | #IrishRugby— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 25, 2022
Autumn Nations fixtures
November 5 - Ireland v South Africa - 5.30pm- Aviva Stadium
November 12 - Ireland v Fiji - 1pm - Aviva Stadium
November 19 - Ireland v Australia - 8pm - Aviva Stadium
