DUBLIN - Ireland coach Andy Farrell made it clear he favoured continuity over any kind of reset when a new World Cup cycle beckoned, even if this one arrived after another disappointment on the biggest stage and the departure of Ireland's biggest star.

The approach secured back-to-back Six Nations titles and was testament to Farrell's gradual blooding over the last 18 months of the young players who stood up when the post-Johnny Sexton era arrived to make the transition fairly seamless.