Andy Farrell believes the introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations will suit Ireland’s attacking style of play while boosting The British & Irish Lions chances of success against the All Blacks in June.
The RBS 6 Nations will award bonus points for the first time in 2017, with extras going to sides who score four or more tries or lose by seven or fewer.
Follow the RBS 6 Nations on Facebook and Twitter
Ireland have enjoyed a hugely successful 2016 – beating New Zealand, South Africa and Australia for the first time in a calendar year – and believes the introduction of bonus points can be a further fillip to both the Lions as well as Joe Schmidt’s side.
Farrell has two wins over New Zealand – once with England in 2012 and the other in Chicago on November 5 with Ireland – and the former dual-code international insists the RBS 6 Nations’ innovation will help the Men in Green land a win over the 2016 Grand Slam champions in Dublin this year.
“It is good for us because we want to play a good attacking style of rugby in Ireland, we have shown that with the tries we have scored of late,” he told The Telegraph.
“I believe it is going to be good for us, but everyone knows that you have to score points against New Zealand.
“We have been in front against them with teams I have been involved with and they are masters at the comeback, staying calm and being clinical.
“The way to score that bonus-point try is exactly like that — staying calm, being clinical, not being frantic, and going about your job as you should do rather than being too emotional.
“It will create excitement as it goes, you’ll know what you need to do along the way, but you still won’t get away from the fact that you need to win.”
