Category: Column

Where It All Breaks Down: Farewell Francis, Munster Rucking And Is It Time For Tommy To Pass The Baton?

May 29, 2017

Last week I wrote of how Francis Saili should get the nod over Jaco Taute for the Pro12 final because of his attacking qualities. Despite concerns about the New Zealander’s defence, I felt that regardless of selection, this electric Scarlets side would score tries and therefore scoring tries of our own had to be prioritised. However, … More Where It All Breaks Down: Farewell Francis, Munster Rucking And Is It Time For Tommy To Pass The Baton?

Analysis: Sterner Test Awaits As Scarlets Size Up Munster

May 22, 2017

A HOME PRO 12 semi-final defeat of the Ospreys was largely expected. Munster have been exceptional this season and coming into the weekend no side had ever lost a semi on their own turf. That said, beating the Welsh region was never a straightforward task and Rassie Erasmus’ men broke down their opponents admirably, emphatically underlining their … More Analysis: Sterner Test Awaits As Scarlets Size Up Munster

THE LEARNING CURVE: Munster Fall To Saracens’ Supremacy

April 24, 2017

Sometimes the better team wins. Simple as. When you’re simply outclassed in a match, there isn’t a whole lot you can say. Luckily for Munster, there’s a greater picture than just Sarries – there’s a future and more imminently, there’s a Pro12 title waiting to be contended for. Most importantly, many of the players involved … More THE LEARNING CURVE: Munster Fall To Saracens’ Supremacy

Gatland Goes For Power As Three Munster Players Make The Plane

April 19, 2017

A few surprises… Warren Gatland revealed his talent-packed squad this morning to the anticipation of wide-eyed rugby fans either side of the Irish Sea; a squad that had seasoned pros right at the heart of it. If you’re looking for a standard-driver, someone physically dominant and experienced in the heat of battle then take your pick, because … More Gatland Goes For Power As Three Munster Players Make The Plane

Shackles Off: Time To Stand Up And Fight

April 18, 2017

RONAN O’GARA WROTE in his latest book, “When you get into bonus territory the shackles come off. There’s a massive emotional release.” It’s one of my favourite lines from a rugby player because of what it means when put into practise. Everything is different at the semi-final stage. A stage that I think has probably been … More Shackles Off: Time To Stand Up And Fight

Are Joe Schmidt’s Ireland As Good As We Think?

March 13, 2017

Doomsday? Only if you’re surprised. It wasn’t a disastrous performance, instead a welcome reality check for everyone. I’d hate to say I told you so, but this has been coming. Even despite the defeat to Scotland, this Irish team had an invincibility in the media and among supporter’s conversations. For this week at least, “in … More Are Joe Schmidt’s Ireland As Good As We Think?

ANALYSIS: Plenty Of Subtlety, But Not Enough Impact From Jamie Heaslip In 2017

February 27, 2017

Six Nations 2009, Ireland Vs France, Jamie Heaslip scores a vital try. Rapid, powerful, talented. Heaslip epitomized Declan Kidney’s Grand Slam winning team. I think Ireland were on a different level back then and I would have similar feelings about Jamie Heaslip.   Ireland Vs France 2017, Ireland win and Heaslip has had what is … More ANALYSIS: Plenty Of Subtlety, But Not Enough Impact From Jamie Heaslip In 2017

COLUMN: Stander Is The Ultimate Ambassador For The Residency Rule But The Concept Remains Wrong

February 20, 2017

CJ STANDER IS the ultimate advertisement for the project player rule. Kimmage, Hunt have made strong cases against foreigners playing in Irish jerseys but have wrongly targeted the players who are simply doing the best thing for their rugby careers.  The residency rule is a farce but the people that have lived by it deserve … More COLUMN: Stander Is The Ultimate Ambassador For The Residency Rule But The Concept Remains Wrong