Andy Farrell insists World Cup revenge not on the menu ahead of blockbuster Ireland v New Zealand Autumn Nations clash

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Andy Farrell has stressed that Ireland are not seeking to avenge their World Cup exit to New Zealand ahead of the two sides' encounter in Dublin on Friday. Last year, the All Blacks ended Ireland's hopes for the second tournament in a row with a narrow victory in their Stade de France quarter-final. It will be an Autumn Nations series opener for Ireland, however, who top the world rankings.

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Andy Farrell has stressed that Ireland are not seeking to avenge their World Cup exit to New Zealand ahead of the two sides' encounter in Dublin on Friday night.

Ireland's Autumn Nations Series match-up with the All Blacks, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, will be the first meeting between the teams since the 2023 World Cup.

Last year, New Zealand ended Ireland's hopes for the second World Cup in succession by securing a 28-24 victory in their Stade de France quarter-final.

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"No, it's not. That's the truth," said Farrell when asked if revenge was likely to be a factor.

"Do you need that when you're playing against one of the best teams in the world? I mean, everyone knows that's the truth.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will lead his team in the Autumn Nations Series before focusing on the British and Irish Lions next year

Image credit: Getty Images

"We want to constantly be up there competing with the best, so if that's not motivation within itself.

"I mean, playing against the All Blacks has always brought that edge to any type of game. This is a top-level Test match that everybody wants to be involved in."

Farrell added: "There has been a lot of rugby played and a lot of water gone under the bridge [since that game] so it doesn't even play a part in it.

“It’s different, a different coaching staff, a few different players, a long time ago, a new start for them, us learning.

"Don’t get me wrong, we were gutted to lose that game, but that’s so much in the distant past for us now because to cut a long story short, we nearly won that game by the way, you know?

"We take a bit of pride from that."

On Saturday, the All Blacks narrowly beat England 24-22 in a dramatic meeting at Twickenham.

Meanwhile, it will be a series opener for Ireland, who top the world rankings and are targeting a 20th straight win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Farrell said: "Irish rugby is in a good place and I think everyone knows New Zealand are always the team to beat.

"I expect it to be as good as ever, if not better."

Watch and stream the Autumn Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+, including Ireland v New Zealand and England v Australia this weekend.

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