Andy Farrell

In both matches so far, during the team announcents before the game, the French spectators have booed Sexton and, somewhat surprisingly, Andy Farrell. I appreciate that Sexton is a bogeyman for them (made it all the sweeter when he scored that try :)), but is there some grudge against Farrell that I'm unaware of? Is it because of his son?

Edit: just to clarify, not surprised about booing Sexton. Sure, Munster fans do that too. I was curious about Farrell getting it.

It was fairly disgraceful on the match thread here

Everyone always goes on about how amazing Schmidt was. But you really don’t hear the same glowing praise about Farrell. Especially when you could possibly say that he has been more innovative and successful (except for a grand slam).

Andy Farrell was the last non-hooker forward to win the Golden Boot (2004). Since being one of the greatest rugby league players on the planet he has converted to union (too late to be as effective probably), and recently become a superstar head coach of the number 1 ranked rugby union team in the world.

His rugby league highlights on youtube are a bit spotty, and don't really give the whole picture. I would like to know just how good a player he was, what was his playing style and how was he regarded by Australian rugby league fans during his prime.

Obviously he never played in the NRL but this is basically the rugby league subreddit.

We all know Andy Farrell is an absolute unit, and can handle himself. Who out of the international head coach roster could give him a fair fight?

edit Billy V denial "Hearing some rumours that I've been saying negative stuff about England. Laughable! Complete rubbish and I don't even drink!"

Cannot confirm accuracy of below, posting in hope someone here can.

"So, it turns out Kieran Bracken’s next-door neighbour is the senior partner at a City litigation law firm called Stewarts Law. Last night they held a RWC gathering which was hosted by Bracken. As part of the proceedings—after David “rent-a-gob” Campese had spent 15 minutes railing against everything in modern rugby—Bracken got hold of the mic and did a Q&A with injured England no. 8 Billy Vunipola! who had a beer in his hand and appeared to have a couple more inside him…

Bracken: when you were interviewed after the game against Fiji you said you didn’t know you’d scored the bonus-point try—that was a strange thing to say… Billy: not at all. None of us knew bonus points were part of this world cup. No one had told us.

[…]

Bracken: what’s Stuart Lancaster like to work with as a coach? BillyV: I don’t know. Bracken: what do you mean? BillyV: Stuart doesn’t coach the team, Andy Farrell does. I’ve never been coached by Stuart. Campo, butting in: what effect has that had on the way the team plays? Billy: he makes us play like a rugby league team.

(Campo then goes off on one about England’s terrible style of play is and how the RFU should just bite the bullet and hire an experienced international coach. To be fair, he’s absolutely spot on with that).

[…]

Campo: so what do you think about England picking Sam Burgess? BillyV: it’s been disruptive. The whole squad is unhappy about it. Bracken: WHAT? Why? BillyV: Luther Burrell earned his place in the RWC squad and Sam didn’t. Luther should have been picked, not Sam.

[…]

Bracken: and how are you enjoying playing under Chris Robshaw? BillyV: shrugs shoulders, sips beer, says nothing "

Sauce

I want another 10 years at least…let’s write him a cheque.