Andy Farrell’s team bus change is much more significant than you’d think
“It’s more relaxed, as opposed to, ‘Put word your heads down and be quiet’.” On Saturday, as Aviva Stadium roiled in celebration, Andy Farrell stood at the edge of the pitch and left the glut of the stage to his players. It was their time to celebrate. They, he would later insist, had done all […]
3 years ago
One CJ Stander moment that proves it would be foolish to ever write him off
An interesting positional switch but no drop-off in the quality of his out-put. One of the players left out of conversations, after the First Test, when discussing the breakdown battle was CJ Stander. Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Caleb Timu were all praised, and rightfully so, while both Peter O’Mahony and Dan Leavy took flak […]
8 years ago
Debate on Munster’s best backline will have fans excited for next season
The acquisition of Joey Carbery has a lot of Munster Rugby fans excited about next season. Carbery will compete with Ian Keatley, J.J. Hanrahan and Bill Johnston for the starting role at fly-half but Munster have a number of exciting options elsewhere in their backline for next season. Johann van Graan’s side will lose Simon […]
8 years ago
‘Why can’t Ulster do something correct? The Dan McFarland situation is more b*****ks’
Former Munster centre James Downey has questioned Ulster’s decision to hire head coach Dan McFarland for next season given that the Scotland assistant may not be at the province until January 2019. McFarland signed a three-year contract with Ulster last month, however, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend told the BBC last week that his assistant will serve a nine-month notice […]
8 years ago
Leinster v Munster team predictions: Robbie Henshaw’s injury creates selection conundrum
Leinster will play Munster this weekend in a PRO14 semi-final at the RDS and there’s some selection dilemmas for both sides. Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out of the match with a knee injury while fly-half Johnny Sexton and winger Isa Nacewa have both been listed as major doubts for the match. Meanwhile […]
8 years ago
James Downey on training methods embraced by Donncha O’Callaghan way before others caught on
John Muldoon and Donncha O’Callaghan both got the fairytale finishes to their careers than so few professional rugby players are lucky to get. For every player like Muldoon and O’Callaghan that gets to run out on the pitch knowing this will indeed be their final game, another slew face retirement in treatment rooms, training fields, […]
8 years ago