David Pocock shines as Ireland suffer first defeat of 2018

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A much deserved victory for the Wallabies occurred Saturday, and a first over Ireland in Michael Cheika’s reign. A thrilling test match which had it all; brutal physicality, sensational aerial play from Israel Folau, tenacious defence and of course, a breakdown masterclass from the returning David Pocock. Joe Schmidt thrust some of Irish Rugby’s brightest […] READ MORE


Hail Leinster Rugby! 2017/18 Double: PRO14 and Champions Cup

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They will be saying “Hail Leinster Rugby!” The Irish Rugby powerhouse has completed the 2017/18 double: the Guinness PRO14 and European Rugby Champions Cup. A massive achievement, that cements the current status of rugby in Ireland. A status of supremacy, from the national team through to the Celtic League grand final. Leinster 40 – Tries: Toner, Lowe, […] READ MORE


Johnny Sexton and Leavy return as Ireland aim to level series

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Johnny Sexton returns as Joe Schmidt makes eight changes to his starting line up that is looking to bounce back following their first Test loss of the season in Brisbane last Saturday. Reshuffled Backline adds Johnny Sexton at 10 Rob Kearney, Robbie Henshaw, Conor Murray, and Keith Earls all keep their starting spot with Earls […] READ MORE



Rugby is boring: How it can be fixed

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Not all rugby is boring. It’s northern hemisphere rugby, as exemplified by the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup, that has the issue. So what? Kiwis and Ozzies have been pointing that out for decades. But it’s objectively bad when English rugby royalty are complaining about the state of rugby after their team has just won both […] READ MORE





ANALYSIS: Louis Rees-Zammit’s Six Nations performance so far

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Wales Louis Rees-Zammit’s performances to date have arguably seen him viewed as the player of the Six Nations so far. The 20-year-old Gloucester winger has shown all of his potential with examples of his pedigree that is obvious even only in his first few Tests for Wales. That includes a solid, error-free performance against Ireland […] READ MORE


Leinster vs Munster: how slow can you go?

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The Leinster vs Munster Pro 14 semi-final should have been a feast of rugby. It is the Irish derby and should have been a spectacle of a contest. Instead, it was a contest of who could play the slowest. Yes, the weather was atrocious. But from both sides it was an appalling battle of attrition, […] READ MORE