HOT & COLD IN AUTUMN

But Farrell never doubted Ireland's level of talent

- BY OISIN DOHERTY

ANDY FARRELL insists he has never questioned Ireland's ability during an inconsistent autumn campaign as his team look to finish strongly against world champions South Africa.

Ireland delivered their finest performance of the month on Saturday, recording an historic 46-19 victory over Australia.

Head coach Farrell had been critical of his team's displays following a 26-13 loss to New Zealand on November 1 and an unconvincing 41-10 triumph over Japan seven days later.

"We're a very good side, there's no doubt about that," he said. "You could put in all sorts of reasons of why the first performance or the second performance (was not up to scratch) or whatever but that's never been in doubt, in my mind anyway."