“Is it arrogance when the stats speak for themselves?” On the week a leading English writer berated Ireland’s arrogant cheerleaders, the Irish pundits were lining up to dismiss Scotland’s chances of a Six Nations shock. Peter O’Mahony had heard all he needed to hear before Ireland and Scotland faced off at the 2023 World Cup. […]

2 years ago

“For me, England seem a bit rudderless, at the moment.” The after-glow of reaching a World Cup semi-final lasted up until Saturday, February 24 at around 6:35pm. England were slowly, slowly building something until Duhan van der Merwe and Scotland sent the blocks skittling at Murrayfield. The English are now facing into a visit from […]

2 years ago

“He sets such a high standard for himself. He wants to take this number 10 jersey.” It is probably a good thing that Jack Crowley missed a few conversions against Italy or the hype train may already have been a steam-toting dot in the distance. The first year of Crowley in the Ireland senior set-up […]

2 years ago

“Capuozzo looked like a guy just out of his confirmation suit. Ridiculously small.” Italy went up against a much-changed but fully focused Ireland team, in round two of the Six Nations, and got sent packing in emphatic fashion. The likes of Ange Capuozzo, Paolo Garbisi and Stephen Varney all got dinged up by an Irish […]

2 years ago

“It’s kind of a drive to get back out there again.” Ahead of an Andy Farrell squad announcement when his only big dice rolls were to include three, young ‘training panellists’, Will Connors was pleased to find himself back in the conversation. He did not make the final selection, but getting close was a sure […]

2 years ago

While Ireland’s back three options are being stretched, their second and back row stocks are looking healthy. Who starts blindside for Ireland in the opening round(s) of the 2024 Six Nations? Peter O’Mahony is technically the man in possession, but Ryan Baird, Tom Ahern, Cian Prendergast and Tadhg Beirne could all slot in. If Andy […]

2 years ago