Search found 2897 matches
- Wed Apr 17, 2024 2:00 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Jordie Barrett to Leinster !
- Replies: 195
- Views: 4772
Re: Jordie Barrett to Leinster !
Irish rugby has generally been fairly well run from the top down, with investment in coach and player development across the board. Leinster have some well documented advantages, but it wasn't really until the Cheika/Schmidt eras that the work behind the scenes really started to pay off. And if you ...
- Mon Apr 15, 2024 9:18 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
- Mon Apr 15, 2024 9:17 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Genuine question - several posters have hinted at or suggested loans etc How might that work? What players come under consideration? Does every province have a list of players who are available for loan? How does the 'home' province benefit? Likewise the 'away'. What is there to incentivise the play...
- Mon Apr 15, 2024 7:22 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Not sure, but I'd like to thank them for all that glorious TV money without which this deal wouldn't be possible. I propose that when we complete the next blockbuster deal with TG4 we should return the favour
- Mon Apr 08, 2024 9:26 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Rugby NAMA thread Revisited Rugby
- Replies: 146118
- Views: 7903387
Re: Rugby NAMA thread Revisited Rugby
The endangerment of life charge alleges Garda Ryan drove westwards on the eastwards auxiliary lane between Rathcoole and Citywest in a reckless manner, which posed substantial risk of death or serious injury to a member of the public. That offence is under section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences again...
- Tue Apr 02, 2024 3:01 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Rob Baxter to World Rugby, Stop messing with the scrum and maul
- Replies: 105
- Views: 1497
Re: Rob Baxter to World Rugby, Stop messing with the scrum and maul
I think Baxter makes a key point about stability. In a sense, it doesn't matter if individual changes are good or bad, if there are too many, too frequently, the constant change is bad for spectators, especially newer ones. Also, he is correct about maul defence - you can always stop it by throwing ...
- Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:07 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
he has lives in ireland a good few years so id assume he is qualified through residency or will do soon. both he and smyth look certs for academy after u20 level. Kids don't automatically obtain those rights iirc. Naturalisation often requires time as an adult in a country. You'd need to check both...
- Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:29 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
It is a difficult choice tbf. Leinster's potential run-in at the moment is: Bulls (H) Tigers (H) HEC QF vs Stormers/La Rochelle (H) Lions (A) Stormers (A) HEC SF (H) Ospreys (H) Ulster (A) HEC F (N) Connacht (H) With a relatively small lead in the URC table, I think Leinster will take a mixed/blende...
- Mon Mar 25, 2024 3:15 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Leinster's Saffer lock is on his way back to SA
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1081
Re: Leinster's Saffer lock is on his way back to SA
There is a lot to come from Jenkis. He is lucky and managed to stay injury free. He is one of the few players in World Rugby that can play at four, five, six (seven in SA) and eight. He is a great ball carrier. Sharks can field a mean pack with him and some others that are returning,. They already ...
- Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:21 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Ulster suggesting a signing to be announced soon Werner Kok. What is the fúcking point. Cunningham signing wingers when we need forwards Kok probably hits more rucks per game than some of the Ulster forwards in the squad :lol: I agree though, strange signing. A baby eater or talisman figure (e.g. M...
- Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:34 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official and ONLY England v Ireland Match Thread
- Replies: 1639
- Views: 45853
Re: The Official and ONLY England v Ireland Match Thread
When Woodward contrived to deliver the worst Lions performance in living memory by selecting the dads army four years later, he managed to combine poor selection (of the squad) with atrocious tactics and in-camp vibes. The selection he should have been able to get away with - they were still good e...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:21 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
- Replies: 557
- Views: 35722
Re: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
I won't get to see Portugal tomorrow, but I expect they'll take care of Spain. Portugal Georgia could be a great game - Georgia were pretty good today from what I saw.
- Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:21 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Would be good to see Gunne fast tracked. agreed but it wont happen with Leo, he hasnt shown a willingness to pick anyone else at 9 unless McGrath is unavailable. I think you have to give Leo some credit for how he manages the squad. My read isn't that he is unwilling to pick other players, just tha...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 3:05 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Rugby NAMA thread Revisited Rugby
- Replies: 146118
- Views: 7903387
Re: Rugby NAMA thread Revisited Rugby
Cascarino had a similar sort of story in his bio. He was never eligible to represent Ireland as his mother was adopted (or something like that) but sure look it was the 90s we were all having a great time. Yeah, I remember that but at least there was a reasonable link, even if it wasn't blood. I gu...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 3:02 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Interesting stuff :thumbup: Those scrum penalties from the NZ game are infuriating. What the fudge was Barnes on with the second one. I should really be enjoying what looks like a golden era in Irish rugby. Instead, I'm deeply frustrated by the directon of a game I've followed and loved for over 50...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:50 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Merit to this or just looking fit new followers ? https://x.com/rugby_scoop/status/1762561652376100877?s=46&t=20zh8BAsN6aL_dqlEjac_A Most of those are marginal and you could find loads of similar ones from any other team in the world. We say this all the time but if you pinged every infringement at...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:45 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official and ONLY England v Ireland Match Thread
- Replies: 1639
- Views: 45853
Re: The Official and ONLY England v Ireland Match Thread
I'd be surprised if VdM makes a test team. His try scoring is sensational, but the rest of his game is pretty weak. I also think it is notable that he has never scored a try against SA, Ireland or NZ (or Australia for that matter) Who would be the Lion wings? Lowe and Hansen. Yawn. Farrell has been...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:51 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official and ONLY England v Ireland Match Thread
- Replies: 1639
- Views: 45853
Re: The Official and ONLY England v Ireland Match Thread
If you did a head to head player wise, how many lion-hearted heroes would make the cut? None. Possibly have Earl in over POM. But I can’t think of any other opportunity. If you’re picking the Lions team right now, how do you not pick the Ireland side plus DVdM and Russell? I'd be surprised if VdM m...
- Tue Feb 27, 2024 7:33 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
https://theanalyst.com/eu/2024/02/six-nations-2024-stats-review-round-3/ Interesting expected points graph. Not sure how they generate it though. I read an explanation of this before, I think they assign points totals to certain actions and situations on the pitch. E.g. if historical data says a 5m...
- Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:45 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Where did you say he was better than anyone? For the record I'd have Aki, Tuipilotu, Jones and Ringrose with either McCloskey or Henshaw as alternates. Henshaw marginally ahead as he covers 13. Anything can happen though, including as said above a 35 year old Aki not being able to go on forever. In...
- Wed Feb 21, 2024 12:04 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official and ONLY Ireland v Wales Match thread
- Replies: 1165
- Views: 21359
Re: The Official and ONLY Ireland v Wales Match thread
And yet Ireland STILL hold the all-time 4/5/6 Nations record for wooden spoons, at 25. If, as expected, the Oirish walk this non-vintage year, they will STILL only equal the Welsh record for 6N Grand Slams (and be 7 behind us in the all-time records). Ireland are enjoying a historically rare purple...
- Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:12 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official and ONLY Ireland v Wales Match thread
- Replies: 1165
- Views: 21359
Re: The Official and ONLY Ireland v Wales Match thread
Records of the Irish and Welsh teams in the 5/6N since 1920 Wales Decade Win % Av. Score 20s 42.5% 10-9 30s 53.1% 8-6 40s 41.7% 6-5 50s 67.5% 9-6 60s 47.5% 9-8 70s 76.9% 18-10 80s 45% 15-16 90s 30% 15-23 00s 46% 23-24 10s 68% 24-16 20s 32% 22-23 Ireland Decade Win % Av. Score 20s 45% 8-9 30s 46.9% ...
- Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:52 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official and ONLY Ireland v Wales Match thread
- Replies: 1165
- Views: 21359
Re: The Official and ONLY Ireland v Wales Match thread
Records of the Irish and Welsh teams in the 5/6N since 1920 Wales Decade Win % Av. Score 20s 42.5% 10-9 30s 53.1% 8-6 40s 41.7% 6-5 50s 67.5% 9-6 60s 47.5% 9-8 70s 76.9% 18-10 80s 45% 15-16 90s 30% 15-23 00s 46% 23-24 10s 68% 24-16 20s 32% 22-23 Ireland Decade Win % Av. Score 20s 45% 8-9 30s 46.9% 7...
- Tue Feb 20, 2024 5:16 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Rugby NAMA thread Revisited Rugby
- Replies: 146118
- Views: 7903387
Re: Rugby NAMA thread Revisited Rugby
If you've a good job you will have, or at least can have, private health insurance. Some would argue you should have. I hear this all the time and I hate to break it to you but private health insurance makes zero difference if you are acutely unwell you will be triaged in A&E like everyone else Yup...
- Mon Feb 19, 2024 2:24 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
How much of an impact is the reduced number of URC games having on the Ulster squad do you think? Back in 2018/19 and the few years before that, there were 21 games and then play-offs, with games played through the 6N. Those games played when the internationals were unavailable were great opportunit...
- Mon Feb 19, 2024 11:23 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Flannery was shite yesterday tbf. But I do think he could become a decent player, just not under this coaching regime. I didn't watch all of the game, but he had 2 big plus points in my book a) he chased the Welsh player all the way when a try looked certain and caught him (try still scored, but no...
- Mon Feb 19, 2024 11:17 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Doak to 10 is intereresting. I liked the look of him at 9 when he came on the scene first, but his style of play isn't perhaps the best for an Irish 9 right now, where tempo on the ball is key. He doesn't seem to have pushed on much, if at all, in the meantime - noting what others have done, that it...
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 3:14 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Welsh Rugby Thread
- Replies: 37851
- Views: 2609964
Re: The Official Welsh Rugby Thread
There are some key economic realities here. The only countries that have demonstrated potential to fund domestic professional rugby are: - England, albeit not at the salary levels that were - France, albeit helped by access to municipal stadia - NZ, with the ABs brand helping to keep players in the ...
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 2:16 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
- Replies: 557
- Views: 35722
Re: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
What is the story with this weekend's games lads? Do the teams have access to their players, or is the full programme in France going to see a lot of missing stars? You can take it as given that the teams will always struggle to have access to the french based players. 2 of Germanys best players ha...
- Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:07 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
- Replies: 557
- Views: 35722
Re: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
What is the story with this weekend's games lads? Do the teams have access to their players, or is the full programme in France going to see a lot of missing stars?
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 6:23 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Welsh Rugby Thread
- Replies: 37851
- Views: 2609964
Re: The Official Welsh Rugby Thread
Honestly, I'd say that on the basis of individual talent and physical attributes, not many Irish lads make it into a world XV head and shoulders above the next nearest. If you can name one, I can probably give a strong argument why someone else should be there. Put those players into an Andy Farrel...
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 4:19 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Welsh Rugby Thread
- Replies: 37851
- Views: 2609964
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 4:14 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Welsh Rugby Thread
- Replies: 37851
- Views: 2609964
Re: The Official Welsh Rugby Thread
I would agree they don’t have the sort of superiority of talent that perhaps characterises the very, very best sides in history such as England 2000-2003 and the Kiwis under Henry and Hansen but they’ve depth and quality across the pitch. That is quite a high bar tbf. My clear recollection of the E...
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:56 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: URC 2023/24 General match thread
- Replies: 661
- Views: 55387
Re: URC 2023/24 General match thread
Real rugby is back (SA Times) Round 10 fixtures: Friday, 16 February Zebre v Edinburgh (9:35pm) Scarlets v Munster (9:35pm) Saturday, 17 February Lions v Bulls (3pm) Leinster v Benetton (5pm) Sharks v Stormers (5pm) Cardiff v Connacht (7:15pm) Glasgow v Dragons (9:35pm) Sunday, 18 February Ospreys ...
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:53 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Dupont has everything you'd expect of a 7s player though. If you could clone any player in the world for 7s it'd probably be him. Dupont is special, you won't find me arguing otherwise obviously. But there are aspects of Larmour's game that are world class also. Attributes that work particularly we...
- Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:12 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
- Replies: 557
- Views: 35722
Re: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
I watched a little of the Georgia game - Netherlands were pretty game, picking up on last weeks performance against Spain. Portugal beating Poland fairly handily. I know Portugal had a couple of retirements post WC, but how are the other sides compared to then - you said Georgia rotated last week - ...
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:02 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
- Replies: 557
- Views: 35722
Re: Official Râguebi Memorial Tier 2 & 3 Rugby Thread
I watched Netherlands-Spain yesterday and most of the the Belgium-Portugal game (second screen) - enjoyed them both - real old school dogfights in both cases. Portugal and Georgia fancied to beat Belgium and Germany out the gates, but a lot closer in the end. I suspect it'll be a similar story with ...
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 2:27 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
It is worth pointing out that France weren't just missing Dupont. They were nearly down to the equivalent of Treadwell and Molony in the row and also missing Jelonch. We've been here before where we think our depth would hold and it didn't. At all. I still expected more from them at home though. Ah...
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 2:05 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
- Replies: 528109
- Views: 28738956
Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread
Ireland Team 15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)(36) 14. Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster)(1) 13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(67) 12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(52) 11. James Lowe (Leinster)(26) 10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(9) 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(30) 1. And...
- Fri Jan 26, 2024 9:15 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Netflix 6N Documentary
- Replies: 375
- Views: 18000
Re: Netflix 6N Documentary
I just feel that even if you engage some new potential fans via the human interest, what happends when they go to watch a game - WTF is this would be the reaction I'd expect. Don't make them experts, but give them enough that the casual fan with some idea of the rules now has the human interest, and...