Ireland must step up for World Cup countdown - Farrell

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says he is ready to tackle another challenging journey as he admitted his squad must improve before they can harbour realistic aspirations of winning next year's Rugby World Cup.

While Ireland have won six out of eight Tests in 2026, humbling defeats by France and New Zealand served as reminders of the level they must reach.

With world champions South Africa visiting Dublin during a busy November that also includes home matches against Argentina and Fiji and a Nations Championship finals fixture at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium, Farrell says his players are prepared to push themselves in pursuit of the ultimate prize in Australia next year.

"The obvious thing and the boring thing to say is every area," Farrell said when asked where his side could improve.

"We're a pretty good team, you know, so recognising that to sort of grow from being a decent team or a good team in the first place is pretty hard to do. You've got to have ambition to do that, the hunger to do that."

Farrell added: "What's coming in 12 months' time, I think if we're honest with ourselves, where we are right now, is that good enough to board the plane believing that 100% we've a chance to win the World Cup?

"I don't think so, but that excites me more than anything for what's coming up in the next 12 months. I see a group that's ready for the next challenge which is to ask themselves questions, where it is that they want to go to individually and as a collective.

"It's something I think that's very hard to see because we've got to go past a lot of people's ceilings to do that, but if you can't get excited about that then you're in the wrong place."

Ireland begin this month's schedule at home to Argentina on Friday, and while the Pumas have never beaten Ireland in Dublin in 11 previous attempts, they stunned Farrell's British and Irish Lions at the Aviva Stadium last year.

Argentina boss Felipe Contepomi has named a strong team, with Toulouse utility back Juan Cruz Mallia's return among 12 changes from September's draw with Australia.

While the Pumas' form in 2026 has been underwhelming, with just one win in six, Farrell insists they will be buoyed by the recent acquisition of revered defence coach Shaun Edwards.

"They're always unbelievably hard to beat," he said.

"And on any given one-off day they can beat anyone in the world and they've proven that time and time again.

"I've got a lot of respect for Felipe, I think he's doing a fantastic job and the coaching staff and obviously they will get a bounce from Shaun coming in as well.

"[They have] a few players coming back into the squad as well because they were rested over the season so they've got a bit of depth and competition, so this is a top-drawer side coming on Friday night."