Ireland potential 'huge' after record win - Farrell — and more

Head coach Andy Farrell says the potential in his current Ireland squad is "huge" after Saturday's historic Six Nations win over England at Allianz Stadium.

Ireland scored five tries in a record 42-21 away win against their oldest rivals which reignited their title ambitions and offered an emphatic response to recent criticism.

After November defeats by New Zealand and South Africa, Ireland opened the Six Nations with a humbling 36-14 loss to France, but after beating Italy in Dublin, they tore through England with a statement performance.

"I think the strength of any team should be stronger than any individual's belief of what they think they can get to," said Farrell.

"That's what a proper team is. So therefore, the potential in the squad is huge. I believe that.

"And you guys can say it's ageing, or we're missing people and they're injured and all that type of stuff, but that doesn't matter neither as long as we're pushing forward and doing ourselves proud."

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When it was put to Farrell that he endured some tough days over the past year before the England game, he used the CVs of Ireland legends Brian O'Driscoll, Johnny Sexton and Paul O'Connell as a reminder of why expectations should be managed.

"I was thinking this morning, probably the three most respected players that I know in Irish rugby, probably Johnny Sexton, Drico or Paulie...I think Drico played for 15 years and won two (Six Nations titles). I think Paulie played for 14 years and won three. Johnny played for 13 years in this competition and won four.

"So have a look at all the ones that they've not won. It's because the group is always transitioning and learning.

"And, honestly, that's why genuinely I didn't care whether we won or lost, whether we just grew as a group. Because we know what we're trying to get to as a group.

"And it doesn't always translate, because people have to feel the ups and downs of international rugby to learn and grow from it, so that's the best part of it today."

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Farrell was also pleased with how his more seasoned Test players stepped up after questions over their form as they supplemented headline-stealing displays from Stuart McCloskey and Rob Baloucoune.

"Caelan [Doris] was back to his best, Joe McCarthy was outstanding," observed Farrell, who also praised player of the match Jamison Gibson-Park.

"Josh [van der Flier] was immense in that first half, wasn't he? You know, with his line running and stuff like that.

"They know they've a responsibility. We said before the game, big-game players turn up and make big-team performances happen.

"They set great examples, but for the lads that I just mentioned, for Rob Baloucoune to come here and do that, you know you're on for a good day when he's got a poach, a turnover ball...just his belief to take people on, and for Stu to dominate at this type of level, it was a joy to see."

With McCloskey and Baloucoune establishing themselves in the Test arena, experienced players recapturing their form and the likes of Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan and Andrew Porter still to return from injury, Farrell's squad suddenly seems in good shape 18 months out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

"That's the point. That's the best part of it," he said.

"We know that and we have to take a bit of stick along the way. I suppose a win like this gets people a little bit back on board.

"As long as we know where we're going."

Ireland host winless Wales on 6 March (20:10 GMT) before finishing the campaign against fellow Triple Crown chasers Scotland in Dublin on 14 March (14:10).

What started as a promising chapter for Franco Mastantuono at Real Madrid is now turning into a period of uncertainty, and in Argentina, everyone is beginning to worry, reports Mundo Deportivo.

This is because the young midfielder’s role has changed sharply under Alvaro Arbeloa. 

Not long ago, he looked like one of the coach’s trusted options. Today, however, he is barely seeing the pitch. 

The concern is not just about club minutes; it is about timing. The Finalissima against Spain on March 27 and the World Cup in June are fast approaching. 

For a player hoping to be part of Argentina’s plans, rhythm and visibility are everything.

The drop has been sudden. Mastantuono featured heavily in Arbeloa’s first matches in charge. 

In fact, during the first six games under the new manager, he started five times. 

He even managed to score and consistently played more than 70 minutes per match. At that stage, it seemed he had found stability inside a competitive Real Madrid midfield.

Then something shifted.

A sudden change

Franco Mastantuono has fallen out of favour. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Since the Rayo Vallecano game, his presence has faded. 

Notably, he came on in the 82nd minute against Valencia and did not play against Real Sociedad, Benfica in the Champions League, or Osasuna on the last matchday.

That’s just 13 minutes in four games. For a player who was recently starting regularly, that statistic alone explains the anxiety building back home.

In Argentina, this is being viewed as more than a simple rotation. There is a feeling that Mastantuono has slipped down the internal hierarchy at the worst possible moment. 

Understandably, Real Madrid’s packed schedule would normally open doors for squad players. Instead, his path has narrowed.

As reported by the outlet, River Plate icon Norberto Alonso offered a brutally honest assessment of the situation. He said, 

“They’re killing him. Do you know why? I think that kid is going to end up in a lower-level team. 

“Then, maybe he’ll come back to Real, but first he has to prove that he’s ready for Real.” 

Those words may sound harsh, but they show a deeper fear. At Real Madrid, patience is limited. Young talents either adapt quickly or risk being loaned out to rebuild confidence and continuity.

England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffers a head injury during AC Milan's defeat by Parma.