The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast

Following Tadhg Furlong’s citing for an alleged groin grab on Gavin Coombes during Saturday’s clash between Leinster and Munster, the question looms about whether a ban, should one be imposed, would mean for Ireland's November campaign.

He has been cited under the same law which resulted in Bulls front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels being handed a nine match ban last year for grabbing the genitals of Josh Murphy during a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash in Galway.

On today’s podcast, Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns discuss the prospect of sanctions on Furlong and what they’d mean for Leinster and Ireland.

We’ll also look at Connacht’s win against Zebre, and Ulster’s continued wait for their first win of the season.

Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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Andy Farrell announced a very familiar looking extended squad for Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign, save for the inclusion of Ulster’s Jamie Benson.

On today’s Counter Ruch rugby podcast, host Nathan Johns and Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley discuss the winners and losers; who’s in, and who’s out.

We will also look ahead to Munster vs Leinster this weekend, and ask whether the rivalry can once again become the thriller is was once known for.

Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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It’s not long since we were talking about a weekend of four defeats for all four provinces.

The weekend’s action in round one of the European competitions was the opposite with four wins.

In today’s podcast Nathan speaks to Gordan D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan about their highlights.

And we’ll look ahead to the Ireland squad announcement on Wednesday.

Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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Steven Kitshoff, the former South Africa and Ulster prop, joins Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck.

Kitshoff has won two World Cups with South Africa and has worked extensively with both Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber. He was also forced to retire due to a serious neck injury that could have developed into a significant issue known as the ‘hangman’s fracture’.

Kitshoff joins the podcast to give an insight into the inner workings of South Africa’s historic run, his injury, the Springboks’ relatively new rivalry with Ireland and his time within Irish rugby.

Presented by Nathon Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s interpro action. Friday night saw Connacht struggle away in Glasgow with the set-piece and maul proving an issue. The panel discusses how Connacht continue to look to improve their tight five while analysing Bundee Aki’s return to action at the start of what could be his last season in Irish rugby.

Elsewhere, the first interpro of the season brought about a thriller as Ulster and Munster went tête-à-tête for a draw in Belfast. Clayton McMillan’s side raced out to a commanding hall-time lead only for Ulster, spearheaded by the likes of Robert Baloucoune, Stuart McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale, to pull things back for a dramatic draw.

Finally, Leinster returned to the RDS for the first time in competitive action as they saw off Cardiff. In a performance that featured impressive counter-attacking displays from the likes of Hugo Keenan and Sam Prendergast, our trio looks at how Leo Cullen’s side are trying to evolve their attack in a bid to ultimately catch up with some of their French foes later this season.

Produced by John Casey.

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Following Munster’s appointment of former Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee as CEO, can the province build towards former glories?

In today’s Counter Ruck rugby podcast Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley look back at an era for the province which has been criticised for underachievement and ask whether Lee is the man to fix a culture that former players have described as “broken”.

Gerry believes there are some strong indications that Munster has at last got the backroom leadership it has been lacking with Lee “fronting up” to the media and the public rather than leaving it to head coaches to explain what is amis.

Munster travel to Ulster this weekend for the season’s first inter-provincial tie. The loser, Gerry explains, will go into the first round of European fixtures in the bottom eight of the URC table.

So what does the future hold for Munster? And can it produce the consistent success its fan base expects?

Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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After round one saw all four Irish provinces lose to kick off the URC season, this weekend brought a more encouraging set of results spearheaded by impressive outhalf displays. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review all the action as Connacht and Munster secured victory, Ulster took a draw away in Glasgow and Leinster wrapped up their South African tour with a losing bonus point.

On Friday night, Ciarán Frawley scored two tries in his first Connacht game since moving west from Leinster, the second a vital late contribution as the western province withstood a creaking scrum to beat Benetton away in Italy. Frawley offered an exciting window into what life might be like at Connacht with Frawley linking with Mack Hansen and Sam Gilbert, while Sean Jansen impressed off the base of the scrum.

Munster had their own impressive outhalf, youngster Charlie O’Shea also scoring two tries as the province continues to look to fill the gap left by Jack Crowley’s injury. Using O’Shea’s willingness to be brave in attack, the pod analyses a wider shift in Irish rugby to trust players willing to take risks and impact games in a positive way.

In this vein, Todd Lawlor at Leinster comes in for more praise despite Leinster’s loss, as does Ethan McIlroy at Ulster after their draw in Scotland.

However, we also look at some weakness up front with many a provincial scrum struggling over the weekend, particularly against South African opposition.

Produced by John Casey.

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Andrew Trimble and London Irish chairman Daniel McKeown want to examine rugby’s governance. Looking at the money flowing in at a the international level, they want to know why so many clubs are still struggling. Worcester, Irish themselves and Wasps have all had well-documented financial troubles, while clubs further afield in Argentina and Australia have also gone under.

Is rugby doomed to only succeed at international level, or should the governance structure be changed, featuring more control of star players for clubs and better initiatives to get more people watching the club game?

Speaking from their experience attempting to revive London Irish, Daniel and Andrew discuss their plans with Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan.

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For the first time since 2009, all four Irish provinces started their domestic campaign with defeat. With Connacht and Ulster both losing at home on Friday night, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan reflect on the teams they selected as their ones to watch heading into the season. Is it time to row back on preseason positivity or will reinforcements of senior players in the weeks to come right the respective ships?

On Saturday, Leinster lost away to the Lions despite promising performances from a number of young players. Gordon picks out who impressed him from a counter-attacking sense as we wait to see how Leinster will shift their style in a bid to be more competitive against the bigger European sides. We also discuss Munster’s loss at home to Glasgow despite the likes of Ben O’Donovan and Kieran Brookes putting in positive displays.

The panel also pays tribute to Béibhinn Parsons after she became Ireland’s record try-scorer in Sunday’s win over Japan.

Produced by John Casey.

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On Sunday, international rugby returned to these shores as Ireland women took on the USA in Tallaght. Despite an impressive first half showing, not to mention pulling 19 points clear after half-time, Ireland nevertheless succumbed to arguably the biggest upset defeat of the Scott Bemand era as a lower ranked American side mauled their way to a surprise victory. John O’Sullivan, covering the game for The Irish Times, joins Nathan Johns and former Leinster and Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy to pick through where it all went wrong.

Meanwhile, the United Rugby Championship returns as the wait for domestic rugby action comes to an end. Teams have been named as Connacht take on the Stormers, Ulster host Edinburgh, Munster take on Glasgow while Leinster travel to Johannesburg to take on the Lions.

Gordon, John and Nathan pick through all the talking points ahead of the new campaign. Why have Leinster picked a strong outfit for this South African tour, naming a number of internationals who normally get this fortnight in the calendar off? What to make of Munster’s outhalf availability crisis, and how might we expect them to play under a new attack coach? With Ulster and Connacht both enjoying largely successful campaigns last season as they went through some transition, can these two continue their positive trajectory under Richie Murphy and Stuart Lancaster respectively?

Produced by John Casey.

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As the rugby season continues to draw closer, Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to talk Leinster’s return to the RDS, Munster’s outhalf crisis, optimism for Connaht and Ulster ahead of the new campaign plus World Rugby’s continuing bid to crack the American market.

Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair.

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John O'Sullivan joins Gordon D'Arcy and host Nathan Johns to discuss his recent chat with Leo Cullen as he heads into his final season as Leinster head coach.

Several successors have been discussed on this podcast and elsewhere, but is there one potential candidate that could provide the continuity Leinster will need?

And why have the province brought in so few new faces while their rivals have added squad depth?

Plus, as New Zealand and South Africa head into the fourth and final test of their much-hyped 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series, the panel mull over what they've learned a year out from the World Cup.

Produced by John Casey.

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As world rugby moves away from multi match tours, instead preferring the nations championship, two of its biggest brands are going the other way. 

Ditching traditional southern hemisphere competitions, New Zealand are embarking on a lions style tour of South Africa. 

Is this good for the game or a shameless cash grab, two bigger nations going out on their own? 

South African journalist Daniel Gallan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

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Noah Byrne, a member of the Irish U20s, recently opted to move to Aussie rules instead of taking a Leinster academy contract.

Is a move like this, often seen in GAA circles, going to become more prevalent in rugby, or are we dealing with a fascinating one off?

Produced by Andrew McNair and John Casey.

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After defeat to the All Blacks wrapped up Ireland’s season, Nathan Johns, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan talk through Ireland’s ups and downs.

Firmly ranked below the world’s top sides, where do Ireland go from here as they look to close the gap next season?

How does the team balance its need to improve the attack with the personnel available? And what positions are looking stronger than others sixteen months out from the next World Cup?

Produced by John Casey.

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What to make of Ireland’s 40-21 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday?

A chastening, worrying performance or simply a fair reflection of Ireland’s place in the current global pecking order?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to analyse the final Ireland game of the season.

Produced by John Casey.

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Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan pick through Andy Farrell’s team selection ahead of this weekend’s clash with the All Blacks.

Are Ireland deservedly underdogs or are we gearing up for another famous win on Kiwi soil?

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Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns on the line from Auckland to give his take on being at Ireland’s victory over Japan on Saturday.

We also delve into David Humphreys’ media roundtable last week after the IRFU’s performance director discussed Munster’s Roger Randle U-turn, James Lowe’s departure and Leinster’s hunt for a new head coach.

Produced by John Casey.

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After a 36-20 victory over Japan, Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns analyse Ireland’s performance in their latest Nations Championship action.

What debutants put in strong performances? Did established players take responsibility? And was there enough on show to generate optimism going into next week's clash with New Zealand?

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Former Leinster and Scotland analyst Brett Igoe joins Nathan Johns to pick through the facts, figures and trends of last weekend’s Nations Championship action.

We also look at Ireland’s heavily rotated team selection for this weekend in a bid to assess what Andy Farrell is looking for against Eddie Jones’ side.

Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair.

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Fresh off Ireland’s victory over Australia in Sydney, Gerry Thornley dials in from Australia to discuss that win as well as the weekend of Nations Championship rugby as a whole with host Nathan Johns.

What did we learn from the narrow win over the Wallabies? Are we likely to see many Irish debuts handed out over the three tests?

And could Japan prove to be a potential banana skin given their wining display against Italy in their Nations Championship opener?

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Ireland squeezed home against Australia after a Thomas Clarkson try and a missed kick from Ben Donaldson with the clock in the red.

Was this a gutsy, narrow win on the road or a worryingly rusty start to their summer window?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

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Andy Farrell and Ireland begin their latest bloc of fixtures with a clash against Australia in Sydney.

Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss why Joe Schmidt is still in charge of the Wallabies, will they put out a better showing than what we saw in Dublin last November and why both teams have selected in the way that they have.

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Ireland U20s began their Under-20s World Championship campaign with defeat in Tbilisi, and it was déjà vu as Toulouse secured another Top14 title. 

It’s also the start of an Ireland test week as the build-up to a clash with Australia kicks into gear. 

Nathan johns discusses it all with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan.

Produced by John Casey.

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No Irish senior rugby this weekend but Ireland U20s do get their World Cup campaign underway in Georgia on Saturday.

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to pick through the players to keep an eye on and Ireland’s hopes while we also look back on the 10-year anniversary of the stellar Ireland group that both beat New Zealand and reached the U20s World Cup final.

Produced by John Casey.

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Monday saw Leinster announce that Leo Cullen will leave the province once his contract expires at the end of next season.

Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through why he’s going and who could replace Cullen atop the Leinster tree.

Produced by John Casey.

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Reaction: Leinster outclass the Bulls to win URC crown

Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns pick through Leinster’s URC final victory over the Bulls.

After Champions Cup disappointment in Bilbao, Leo Cullen’s side have ended the year with silverware after a comprehensive victory over the South African outfit.

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Shorn of multiple players due to injury, Andy Farrell has named his group to tour Australia and New Zealand this summer. 

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through who is in and who might consider themselves unlucky. 

Plus, we build up to the URC final as Leinster and the Bulls name their teams for Friday night’s decider.

Produced by John Casey.

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With confirmation arriving that James Lowe will leave Leinster, in theory ruling him out of Ireland’s World Cup bid next year, Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss how talks broke down. 

Why is Leinster’s record try scorer leaving despite, by all accounts, wanting to stay? 

Plus, we chat through Munster’s hire of Jared Payne instead of Roger Randle and the announcement of the Ireland U20s squad for their upcoming World Cup.

Produced by John Casey. 

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Leinster beat the Stormers on Saturday to secure another URC final appearance as they once again meet the Bulls in the final. 

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the action, look at where Leo Cullen’s side just about had enough to work past the Cape Town outfit and how they might fare against another South African juggernaut. 

Plus, we look at excitement elsewhere with Glasgow blowing their lead and European champions Bordeaux crashing out of Top14 contention.

Produced by John Casey.

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A number of narratives have emerged in an attempt to explain Leinster’s European malaise under the current coaching staff. 

Is Jacques Nienaber’s new system the problem or, rather, has he been given enough coaching power to truly take control? 

Are Leinster still a well coached team or are they tactically behind the curve given the way the game is being played at the moment? 

Analyst Sam Larner joins Nathan Johns to cut through all the headlines and figure out what is actually going on in Leinster HQ.

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The season has come to a close for Connacht and Munster after their respective URC quarter-final defeats. 

Leinster meanwhile beat a lacklustre Lions side to stay alive and reach the semi-finals.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review the action, analysing why Connacht have had a season to remember, Munster a year to forget while looking at how Leinster can, if at all, look to improve things for next year.

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Former Leinster and Scotland analyst Brett Igoe joined Nathan Johns for a deep dive into the tactics Bordeaux used to outthink Leinster in the Champions Cup final.

Brett also casts his analyst’s eye over Connacht and Munster’s season to date, and their prospects going into their URC quarter-finals against Glasgow Warriors and Bulls respectively.

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After sobering defeats for both Leinster and Ulster in European deciders, Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy look back at the weekend.

Analysis of where things went wrong plus thoughts on how Irish teams might be able to narrow the gap to their French counterparts.

Is player recruitment key for both provinces? And should Leinster rethink their focus on defence?

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Both Leinster and Ulster struck early in their respective finals, only to be pegged back soon after as both sides suffered chastening defeats.

Is this Leinster's most damaging final defeat since they last won the Champions Cup in 2018?

Did the heat and conditions suit the French sides? And how do the provinces close the gap on Bordeaux, Montpellier and others from the Top 14?

Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley are in Bilbao as they dissect defeats for Leinster and Ulster on a damaging European weekend for Irish rugby.

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Cautious optimism has started to build as Leinster bid to break their finals losing streak in European action. Underdogs against Bordeaux, is this the year they finally win a coveted fifth star?

What of Ulster’s chances, shorn of big players due to injury and needing a Challenge Cup win to guarantee top tier action next year?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to preview this weekend’s European finals.

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In front of a record-breaking crowd, Ireland women powered past Scotland to finish their Six Nations campaign.

Meanwhile Connacht and Munster secured their top eight spots in the URC, Ulster narrowly missed out while Leinster warmed up for their Champions Cup final with a win over the Ospreys.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

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John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to preview the weekend’s rugby action.

How can all four Irish provinces make the URC top eight? Are Ulster prioritising the Challenge Cup final over their last URC outing?

Plus, how Ireland built towards a record day at the Aviva Stadium when they host Scotland on Sunday.

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Did Connacht’s stability off the field manifest itself in their dominant victory over Munster, given the chaos engulfing their provincial rivals?

What of a glut of refereeing decisions that prompted debate over the weekend, including Nathan Doak’s late concession of a penalty try in Belfast?

After wins for Leinster, Connacht and a draw for Ulster, Did Connacht’s stability on the field manifest itself in their dominant victory over Munster, given the chaos engulfing their provincial rivals?

What of a glut of refereeing decisions that prompted debate over the weekend, including Nathan Doak’s latest concession of a penalty try in Belfast?

After wins for Leinster, Connacht and a draw for Ulster, Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy pick through the action and look at what each province needs to qualify for the top eight.

Plus, Ireland women returned to winning ways thanks to a victory over Wales. and look at what each province needs to qualify for the top eight. Plus, Ireland women returned to winning ways thanks to a victory over Wales.

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Controversy surrounded the weekend’s Champions Cup action after a number of head contacts were supposedly missed by the officials.

Was this genuine error, issues with TV directors or something else wrong with the process?

Former referee Owen Doyle joins Nathan johns to assess the state of rugby officiating.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to review the weekend’s action.

Leinster and Ulster are both heading to European finals but with varying degrees of positivity surrounding their performance.

Do Leinster have enough to beat Bordeaux or does the nervy Toulon endgame leave them second favourite? What of Ulster’s chances against Montpellier after seeing off Exeter?

Plus, the panel analyses Leo Cullen’s criticism of how the Irish press has been covering his team.

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During the week, it was announced that Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final with Toulon had sold 30,000 tickets. Now, closer to kick-off, that figure is likely to rise, but it is notable that on the week of a big European game, there were still 20,000 seats available.

Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to chat through why this may be - is there an Aviva fatigue with Leinster calling the stadium home for two years now during the RDS development?

We also preview the on-pitch action as Leinster face the French side while Ulster welcome Exeter in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

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Provincial action, women’s Six Nations and the business end of the AIL club season - this weekend had plenty.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review it all. Is the battle for the URC top eight just going to come down to whoever has enough fit players?

A week out from their European semi-final, what to make of Leinster’s upset defeat away to Benetton?

Have Ireland shown enough progression to get close to France, or was Saturday night a bump back down to earth?

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John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to preview the weekend’s rugby action.

From Munster’s key interpro with an injury-ravaged Ulster to Ireland’s Six Nations French revenge tour, not to mention AIL finals weekend, there is plenty to discuss as the rugby season continues towards the business end.

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Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s rugby action.

Did Ulster let themselves down against a Leinster shorn of first choice players? How did Leo Cullen’s men shut down one of the URC’s best attacks?

Plus, we discuss much-needed victories for Connacht and Munster while highlighting the best bits of Ireland’s win over Italy in the women’s Six Nations.

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John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to talk through Ireland’s home start to their Six Nations campaign against Italy this Saturday after defeat to England last week in front of a record crowd of 77,120 at the Allianz Stadium.

They also preview Ulster’s crucial interpro with Leinster and look at where Connacht and Munster are currently in the URC standings.

Plus, the controversy surrounding Munster’s new assistant coach hire Roger Randle.

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Leinster are in the Champions Cup semi-finals after beating Sale while Ulster find themselves in the Challenge Cup last four thanks to victory over La Rochelle.

They will not be joined by Connacht, though, after they lost in France to Montpellier.

And Ireland women got their Six Nations campaign underway with an expected yet somewhat encouraging defeat to England.

Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to chat through the weekend’s rugby action.

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Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the wreckage of Munster’s European campaign. The rot on the pitch appears to stem from deeper lying issues off it.

Plus, news on Ireland’s team selection for their women’s Six Nations opener, as well as a look ahead to Leinster, Connacht and Ulster’s European action, with a look at La Rochelle’s unique selection for their trip to Belfast.

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After Leinster impressed but confounded in equal measure in their latest Champions Cup outing, what to make of their tournament hopes? How have Munster found themselves already out of Europe’s second tier competition? Do Connacht and Ulster have legitimate silverware chances?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

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Rugby is experiencing a wave of positivity after the recent Six Nations. We saw a record number of tries scored in the competition as attacking rugby was on full display.

Does this mean we are living through a positive upswing in the state of the game as an entertainment product? Why are teams better at scoring now than in the best?

Given the sport cycles through negativity around kicking and entertainment value, are we living through the sport’s good old days?

Rugby analyst Sam Larner joins Nathan Johns to pick through the trends that explain why so many tries are being scored. 

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With word on Ireland eyeing up an Australian rugby prospect, Nathan johns and Gordon D’Arcy look at Ireland’s prop development pathway.

Plus, how did Jamie Osborne look back in the centre following a Six Nations campaign at 15?

How did Munster improve on a difficult South African tour? How are the provinces shaping up for a return to Europe?

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Plenty of rugby news warrants further discussion as a thrilling conclusion to the Leinster Schools Cup warranted a replay.

Munster are also in the headlines after a concerning story that they are implementing voluntary redundancies after enduring some financial difficulty.

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss the rugby news of the day.

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A week after the conclusion of the Six Nations, the provinces returned to action.

Bundee Aki headlined a statement win for Connacht over Ulster while Sam Prendergast and Leinster struggled away to Glasgow.

A record defeat for Munster rounded off a tricky return to domestic action for the Irish sides.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

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The Six Nations finished with a bang with Ireland’s Triple Crown win over Scotland and France’s thrilling escape act against England, a late affair that just denied Ireland the title.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through what we’ve learned from the tournament.

From a dismal opening night in Paris to within touching distance of the title, how did Ireland trend in the right direction after a Six Nations that will live long in the memory.

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Heartbreak for Ireland as England’s late penalty concession and Thomas Ramos’ right boot cost Andy Farrell’s side a Six Nations title.

Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns from the bowels of the Aviva Stadium to try and make sense of a Super Saturday which saw Ireland beat Scotland to the Triple Crown but just miss out on the overall crown.

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Mark Palmer, Scottish rugby correspondent at The Times, joins Nathan Johns to preview Ireland’s clash with Scotland.

The winner takes home the Triple Crown and has a shot at the outright Six Nations title, pending the result between England and France later on Saturday evening. Mark tries to figure out if Scotland have a genuine chance at breaking an 11-match losing run to Ireland or if this is the latest example of Scottish hubris.

How has Gregor Townsend turned around this campaign after an opening defeat in Rome was followed up by sensational wins over England and France? Are Ireland really there for the taking?

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A sensational weekend of Six Nations action leaves us anticipating a bumper Super Saturday to decide the title.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s win over Wales, Scotland’s thumping of France and Italy’s historic victory over England. Scotland, France and Ireland are all mathematically in the hunt for the title, while the winner of Ireland vs Scotland will take home the Triple Crown.

Might this finally be the weekend where Scotland, fresh off their stunning win over France, get over their Ireland hoodoo?

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This was a much-changed Ireland side from the one who performed heroics at Twickenham against England two weeks ago. And there was much to admire given their blistering start, but question marks too.

And have Wales finally turned a corner after so long in the doldrums? They played like a rejuvenated team, organised and tenacious, and offering a real threat going forward at times.

Ireland could only breathe easy with 77 minutes on the clock when Jack Crowley made it a ten-point game.

Host Nathan Johns is joined by Irish Times Rugby Correspondent Gerry Thornley.

Produced by John Casey.

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Andy Farrell has made five changes to the starting XV ahead of Friday’s clash with Wales.

Unusual, perhaps, to mix up a winning formula after a stunning day out at Twickenham.

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through what it all means.

Have Ireland embraced more rotation in a slightly tweaked selection policy? What to expect of Wales, a banana skin or as downtrodden as ever?

Produced by John Casey.

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Sam Larner has, quite literally, written the book on data in rugby.

In his recent publication, Attacking the Space: Inside rugby’s data and tactics revolution, Larner attempts to explain why the game looks the way it does in a manner accessible to the Irish fan.

He joins Nathan Johns to explain why data shapes Ireland’s recent tactical evolution towards a kicking game, why putting boot to ball isn’t an inherently ugly thing, why Leinster changed their props so early in the game and how Munster have lost ’the best attack coach in the world.'

Produced by John Casey.

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Everyone loved a crisis talk after Ireland U20s and Ireland XV lost on the same weekend the senior side struggled in Paris.

Since then, though, the U20s have won back-to-back games, including an impressive display against England.

After last year’s wooden spoon, has the age grade side turned a corner? Is talk of a misfiring talent pipeline misguided?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to put us all straight.

Produced by John Casey.

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How many of you saw that coming? A record Irish victory in Twickenham was some way for Andy Farrell and co to change the narrative surrounding this side after a middling start to this year’s Six Nations campaign.

Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns were all in London on Saturday and they link up once again to pick through how Ireland pulled off that performance.

Plus, we look at how Ireland U20s managed a similarly impressive victory over their English counterparts in Bath on Friday night.

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland’s team for the weekend is out with a big decision made at outhalf. Will the changes improve Ireland’s chances of securing an upset?

What of England who have promoted Henry Pollock to the starting XV?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to preview Saturday’s clash.

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland responded to their disappointment in Paris with a win over Italy. Albeit an unconvincing one.

Did new faces in Andy Farrell’s team do enough to change the status selection quo? Did Ireland’s attack start to look like its old self? Does Scotland’s win offer any hope heading to Twickenham?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to pick through some big selection decisions made by Andy Farrell ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Italy.

Plus, John also takes his through his vision for how Ireland can bring more players through from U20 level to the senior side.

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland suffer a heavy defeat to France while Italy are on a high following a win over Scotland.

Does that make for a potential banana skin for Andy Farrel and Co this weekend?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Plus, we look at some of the wider tactical and skillset deficiencies plaguing Irish rugby. What can be done to stop the rot?

Produced by John Casey.

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A difficult night for Ireland saw them lose heavily to France in Paris.

Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley were at the Stade de France to pick through where it all went wrong.

Was Ireland’s game plan exposed? What to make of selection or the decision to continually kick away possession? What positives, if any, can be gleamed from a second half fightback?

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland have named their team for Thursday’s Six Nations opener.

There are surprises, namely Jacob Stockdale in for James Lowe and Cian Prendergast starting at 6.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the key match ups.

How will Ireland tactically overcome France’s Parisian challenge?

Produced by John Casey.

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The new head coach of the US team is an Irishman from Skerries.

After winning a medal with the Canada Sevens team in Paris, Jack Hanratty has moved to America to coach Ilona Maher and Co.

He joins host Nathan Johns to chart his journey from a Leinster development coach to boss of the US.

Plus, with World cups heading stateside in 2031 and 2033, Jack gives his take on a question rugby has long sought to answer: can the sport make it in America?

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland’s front-row injury crisis plummeted to a further low when Jack Boyle was carted off with an Achilles issue for Leinster against Connacht. Given the absentee list at loosehead, should he - alongside other Ireland Six Nations players - have been wrapped in cotton wool over the weekend?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss this along with Leinster’s victory over Connacht, Ulster’s defeat away to the Scarlets and Munster getting over the line vs the Dragons.

Produced by John Casey.

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It’s squad week ahead of the upcoming Six Nations. Both the senior group, the squad selected in the second string and the U20s have all been revealed.

Is Andy Farrell’s selection overly safe or a fair reflection of newer players pushing through?

Who has been hard done by? Can anyone from the second string push their way into the upper ranks? And what of the U20s, who are looking to bounce back after a poor year?

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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The final European weekend for a while threw up plenty of intrigue.

Munster are out of the Champions Cup, their latest love affair with Europe’s top tier proving to be a short lived one. Leinster once again won in difficult circumstances to ensure they are the lone Irish team flying the flag in the Champions Cup.

Ulster and Connacht safely guaranteed their progression to the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup, where they will be joined by Munster.

What did the latest round of provincial action mean for this week’s Ireland squad announcement ahead of the Six Nations?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss. 

Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound.

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Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the rugby news of the day.

The quality of the on-field product certainly improved during last weekend’s European action, a badly needed injection of life after some difficult outings for Irish sides in recent months.

Meanwhile the rugby transfer story mill has picked up into overdrive while the All Blacks shocked the world with the decision to move on from their coach Scott Robertson. What to make of it all?

Produced by John Casey.

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Leinster get out of jail against La Rochelle while Munster fall in Toulon in the Champions Cup.

Meanwhile Ulster are snowed off while Connacht let a late lead slip against Montpellier in the Challenge Cup.

A weekend of entertaining rugby, but what did we learn, if anything, about Irish rugby’s trophy prospects this year?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to review the weekend’s action.

Produced by John Casey.

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An ex-Ireland captain is now in charge of the rugby department at one of the country’s four provinces. Rory Best, Joe Schmidt’s on-field lieutenant towards the back end of the 2010s, is back in Irish rugby as general manager of his native Ulster.

This is worth a deep dive in and of itself - what is a general manager? Why has Best gone into this role instead of coaching? Is he the Jason Wilcox to Ulster’s Ruben Amorim equivalent? - but add to that Ulster’s recent form and there is plenty to get into.

Best only joined the province three months ago, so there is an element of him coming in on top of good work done previously, but he undoubtedly will have a role in shaping the continuing development of a recently struggling outfit which appears to have turned the corner.

Best joins Nathan Johns to discuss his role, why he came back and if Ulster’s purple patch is a genuine revival for the northern province.

Produced by John Casey.

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The end of the festive interpro season is nigh but that means Europe is back in focus as the provinces gear up for continental rugby once more. All while Andy Farrell ruminates on his Six Nations squad which is expected to be named in the coming weeks.

Whose performances may have turned his eye after three weeks of Irish derbies? Will any of Ulster’s in-form youngsters prompt a shake-up? What to make of Leinster’s slow march to victory with performances that divide opinion? Have disappointing runs for Munster and Connacht had a negative impact on their players?

Plus, which Irish provinces are actually worth paying into these days? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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The now infamous 7-1 forward split on the bench hit the headlines last year when World Rugby announced they would not be outlawing the practice. The innovation, first used by South Africa and made more prominent by France in the 2025 Six Nations, is controversial in some quarters.

While not quite at culture war levels, the use of extra forwards has prompted a strong rebuke, as either dangerous, against the spirit of the game, or both, from plenty of those involved in the game.

One of those is Owen Doyle. A former international referee and current Irish Times columnist, he joins Nathan Johns to talk through World Rugby’s latest law development.

Should the 7-1 split be outlawed, or is it simply a case of clever innovation, leaving the rest of the world to catch up?

This episode originally aired in April 2025.

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Christmas interpros have been and gone, Leinster and Ulster prevailing over Munster and Connacht respectively. Thomond Park was notable not so much for the quality of rugby but barbs which came off the pitch post-match.

Leo Cullen and Simon Zebo were more than happy to jest with each other, while Tadhg Beirne added his name to the long list of players lamenting the game’s tactical direction of travel as teams such as Leinster continue to spurn attacking rugby.

Meanwhile, Ulster showed their continuing ability to entertain while Connacht remain mired in a slump. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Inevitably, before their success in the United Rugby Championship last season, plenty of public commentary focused on Leinster’s inability to get over the line in big games. Clearly, they had the talent. Was the problem instead to be found in the top two inches?

Enda McNulty, a former All-Ireland winner with Armagh, worked with both Leinster and Ireland as a sports psychologist.

He joins Gordon D’Arcy - with whom he worked during his playing days - to look at the importance of sports psychology in winning environments. Does sport psychology work? How do you get players to buy in? Why did Leinster and Ireland under Joe Schmidt embrace training the mind so readily? To what extent can previous success be attributed to training the mind? 

This episode originally aired in May 2025.

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week, another round of games featuring Irish provinces winning ugly. Leinster and Munster secured bonus point victories despite being far from their best.

Are we being harsh by focusing overly on performances instead of bottom lines at this stage of the year? Ulster put it up to Leinster but succumbed to a lack of depth. Are they still trending in the right direction? And what to make of Connacht’s shambolic defeat to the Dragons in Newport?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Not for the first time this year, Welsh rugby is awash with speculation of the downfall of one of its clubs. The Ospreys, four-time winners of the URC in its various guises over the year, are the latest team which could be on the chopping block, according to various media reports.

With high profile players leaving the club, word that owners are looking to jump ship and the CEO taking to his personal social media accounts to defend the club’s lack of talk offering clarity, there is plenty going on.

Welsh rugby journalist Simon Thomas joins Nathan Johns to discuss the latest crisis engulfing Welsh rugby. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Leinster won on their travels but looked far from convincing against Leicester. Munster also flattered to deceive albeit they got a winning bonus point at home to Gloucester. Ulster rotated their side with one eye on an interpro against Leinster and lost in the dying embers against Cardiff while Connacht won easily against Black Lion of Georgia.

Should we be overly concerned about dicey performances at this stage of the season, or is winning all that matters this side of Christmas before the business end of the season?

Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Leinster and Leicester squaring off in Europe this week, Jimmy Gopperth - a former outhalf for both sides - joins ex-teammate Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns.

We look back at an interesting time in Leinster’s history, the years when they were coached by Matt O’Connor. We also chat about Irish rugby’s tactical evolution in the last 10 years, as well as the direction of travel of the sport more generally, given Gopperth’s experience playing for 10 different clubs across the world.

Produced by John Casey.

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Round one of European action has been and gone as Leinster won in unconvincing fashion over an understrength Harlequins side, Munster fell away to Bath, Connacht lost to Ospreys and Ulster hammered Racing at home in Belfast.

Are Leinster leaving it till too late in the season to kick into gear? Is Munster’s defeat terminal to their European ambitions? Were Ulster the only Irish province to actually impress across the opening weekend?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss all the action.

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years out from the World Cup, Ireland now know who they are playing after Wednesday’s draw.

The fixture dates come next February as World Rugby look for spikes of ‘hype’, a tactic which divides the opinion of our panel.

Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to look at Ireland’s draw and preview the upcoming European action.

Leinster may well have a chance to blood a few newer faces due to injury, while Munster face a fascinating trip to take on old friend Johann van Graan in Bath. In the Challenge Cup, Ulster and Connacht will look to continue their strong league form against Racing and Ospreys respectively.

We preview all the action as European matches return.

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the November window, the IRFU released their financial accounts for the previous year. Inevitably, they were asked about rising ticket prices for games at the Aviva Stadium.

Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley reported that the cost of a ticket has increased by 80 per cent in the past 12 years. Why does rugby charge more for the in-ground experience, compared to other sports?

There’s a lot in this: the financial health of the sport, ticket vs TV revenue, how tickets are sold through clubs, the corporate nature of the audience and a new Nations League competition which is supposed otherwise boost broadcast income. Gerry joins The Counter Ruck to discuss it all.

Produced by John Casey.

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There have been postmortems aplenty on the state of Irish rugby after the November window. But what of the international window as a whole. Officiating is arguably a hot a topic as it ever has been - and not in a good way.

Stylistically, law tweaks have more and more teams striving for efficiency and playing in similar styles, ones which are not always popular among the crowds.

Whatever about results and Irish fortunes, as a spectacle, is international rugby still a good watch?

Host Nathan Johns is joined by Irish Times ruby writer John O’Sullivan.

Produced by John Casey.

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Saturday was shambolic. Chaotic. Insert your choice of adjective here. A rugby match took over 130 minutes to complete. Seven cards were handed out - one rescinded.

Somewhere in between, South Africa bullied Ireland, Andy Farrell’s side ultimately doing well not to lose by a heavier margin.

What to make of all the chaos, and of Ireland’s November window as a whole?

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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South Africa come to town this weekend with two World Cup winners’ medals in the back pocket of plenty of squad members. Yet one of the few frontiers this side under Rassie Erasmus has yet to cross is winning in Dublin.

Daniel Gallan is a South African journalist for Rugbypass and the Guardian. He joins Nathan Johns to explain just how Rassie has done it for so long.

How does he keep his players motivated? How does socio-economic and cultural realities back home play into the rugby psyche? Is to be a Springbok akin to following a cult?

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland secured a record victory over Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies on a wet Saturday night at the Aviva Stadium. It was comfortably the best display of this November window from Andy Farrell’s side, but where does it leave them ahead of next week’s Springbok challenge?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan once again join Nathan Johns to discuss, amongst other things: Sam Prendergast’s impressive starting display; Ireland’s kicking supremacy; return of the Mack; Gibson-Park’s continuing excellence and Australia’s fall from grace.

Produced by John Casey.

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After beating the Lions in the last Test and running them close in the series as a whole, Australia have gone downhill. They started this November window with a scare against Japan while last weekend saw a damaging defeat to Italy.

Where did it all go wrong? Joe Schmidt is in the twilight of his tenure in charge, finishing up next July. After the Lions recovery but subsequent demise, how will his time with the Wallabies be remembered?

Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland 41 Japan 10: back on track after the Chicago disappointment or a worrying, laboured victory?

Did Ireland get what they needed from returning players? Did newer faces step up?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to give their thoughts.

Meanwhile over in Spain, Ireland’s second string impressed against the tier two nation. Can anyone from that group force their way into senior Irish reckoning any time soon?

Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Munster battered their provincial rivals for the first time in a long time, potentially igniting this derby match for the future.

Were Leinster simply undercooked as they continued to bring back their Lions or has the tide turned on this previously one-sided grudge match?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to recap the weekend’s action and look ahead to the ramifications of this game for Ireland’s November series.

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Farrell named a settled Ireland squad for the upcoming November internationals this week. With just one uncapped player - Leinster’s Paddy McCarthy - has he taken the opportunity to regenerate the side halfway through a World Cup cycle?

Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the more interesting selections. Why has McCarthy risen so quickly up the depth chart? Can Tommy O’Brien force his way in? Why are there so many Leinster players? 

Produced by John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.