Two Irish sides take to the pitch on Saturday; Andy Farrell’s senior outfit takes on Japan before a second-string side play Spain. Plenty of interesting selection calls have been made, while a number of high-profile players - Caelan Doris included - return to starting roles. What are the storylines and performances to watch? Who needs a big display to keep their spot, and who might force their way into first choice reckoning?John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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28:17
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28:17
Are Ireland sliding down rugby's global pecking order?
Where does Ireland’s defeat to the All Blacks leave them in world rugby’s hierarchy? After a solid if unspectacular opening hour, Ireland collapsed to a two-score defeat in the final quarter. The Irish kicking game brought plenty of joy, but New Zealand’s bench ultimately turned the contest. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the action from Ireland’s Chicago trip.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45:54
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45:54
Can Ireland upset the odds against New Zealand?
Is this the most undercooked an Irish side has been heading into an international window? Is Andy Farrell picking on form? What to make of Jack Crowley at outhalf, Stuart McCloskey at centre and Caelan Doris on the bench? Do Ireland stand any chance of upsetting a New Zealand side which has yet to convince under Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson? Gerry Thornley is our man on the ground in Chicago. He joins Nathan Johns to build up to Ireland’s Chicago clash with the All Blacks.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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22:39
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22:39
How to save a young Irish rugby player’s career
In a slightly different episode, Gordon D’Arcy has gone digging around his attic for career memories. A teammate feedback sheet from his aged 21 season prompts today’s discussion. In these anonymous submissions, D’Arcy was given both praise and constructive yet strong criticism about his early days with Leinster. In his own words, it was the sheet which “changed everything.” What was said by his peers, how did it affect his behaviour and how did he go on to achieve what he did?Plus, a review of the opening five rounds of the URC as attention turns to the international stage.Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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46:56
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46:56
After a decade of success, can Irish rugby continue to achieve?
Brendan Fanning has just published a book on the modern history of Irish rugby. Looking at recent successes, he speaks to the heavy hitters involved to figure out if we are set-up to continue growing, stay still or go backwards. Brendan joins The Counter Ruck to discuss his book, Touching Distance, to analyse the biggest issues that have affected the game since 2007. What is Stuart Lancaster’s relationship with Andy Farrell like? What does David Nucifora think of Munster? Are the good times here to stay or already gone?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
España