Six Nations – Into The Dragon’s Den

RBS6Nations.com

No changes either side, roof closed, Cardiff on a Friday evening. We’ve been so fully focused on that final fixture that it has been easy to lose sight of this one. Whatever about how tough or not it may be for Ireland and those dreams of a third championship in 4 years, it’s gonna be a cracking game of rugby.

European Rugby – Snowball’s Chance In Hell?

To say that Leinster will define their season this Sunday is somewhat of an understatement. Pro 12 involvement on the line, consecutive defeats worse than anything in the last decade and a general air of division amongst their fans; this trip to Toulon didn’t need added importance but it has it now.

Pro 12 – Leinster Look At One Last Chance

Three weeks remain in the Pro 12 regular season and for the first time this decade Leinster are looking at a slim chance of Top 4 qualification. Munster and Ulster sit relatively comfortably with Munster travelling to Edinburgh and Ulster heading West to Connacht but Leinster, en route to face the Dragons on Sunday, are staring down a real possibility of not making the league knock outs whilst also trying to figure out Toulon before their European Semi Final. A lot to ask, no question.

European Rugby – And Then There Was One

Can anyone else remember the last time only one Irish team managed to make the European knock outs? Eleven years ago, back when Ulster still couldn’t find a way out and Leinster lost out to Stade Francais and Munster were the sole hope in the Quarter Finals. Is it a reflection on the Irish club game that only Leinster have progressed or is it the new format living up to its name and providing a greater challenge to the Celts? Hard to say in this inaugural year but the fact is there to see that only one province from the back to back Six Nations champion country is present this weekend. Pity.

Six Nations 2015 – Wales Stay In the Race… Just

 Dual blogged on Irish News Review

Alongside England Wales are the second team vying to knock Ireland out of pole position in this year’s tournament after a less than comprehensive win over France on Saturday. Even less comprehensive was the turgid affair between Italy and Scotland that preceded it and title ambitions remain anything but immediate concerns for these two sides.

Six Nations 2015 – Can Wales Tackle The French?

Before Ireland’s crucial game this Sunday we will see Scotland play host to Italy and France the same to Wales. All four sides are finding themselves in turmoil of sorts with underperforming the operative word. Can Scotland show the results of their new coaching team with a result worthy of the quality and can Wales put themselves back in contention against the strongest French side for some time?

Six Nations 2015 – Battle For The Title

Dual blogged on Irish News Review

Here we are again for the third consecutive year;Ireland face off against England for what looks to be the deciding game of the tournament (so far, of course). The last two years it hasn’t gone that well for Ireland, can anything make this year any different?

Six Nations 2015 – Are You Not Entertained?

Ah here c’mon now, how negative can we be? All the buzz since last Saturday’s emphatic win over France, Irish rugby fans all over have been harping on about how we still don’t look great and there is still work to be done. I won’t disagree with that second point but, we’re looking better than ever guys and here’s why.

Six Nations 2015 – Ireland Scrape Past France

Far from perfect, anything but simple and in general; tense as hell. Ireland VS France has always been anything but a straight forward fixture and yesterday in the Aviva reached lofty new heights. It didn’t have as much riding on it as last year of course but it was the chance for Ireland’s first back to back win over Les Bleus in 13 years and you could see every inch of that on the pitch.

Six Nations 2015 – Sexton Returns For Ireland

It couldn’t entirely be classed as debatable to begin with but it looks like the question of whether Jonathan Sexton returning straight into the fold for Ireland after 3 months concussion rehab only ever had one answer. With little change from the team that faced Italy last week Sexton is due to return to the driver’s seat for Ireland this Saturday.