ON 31st July 2010 a young Ulsterman scored the first try in a challenge match to mark the opening of the Aviva Stadium. Another reporter turned to me and said…
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Wales v New Zealand: Five things we learned
WALES HAVE once again become one of those teams that takes positives from defeats against the world’s best. This time last year that wasn’t the case. Wales were a team…
Robshaw’s decision-making under the spotlight
TEST MATCHES are won by inches. The top two inches. Robshaw misread the situation.
Wales 10-33 New Zealand: The Verdict
NEW ZEALAND are on another level and proved that yet again at the Millennium Stadium.
England v South Africa: The Preview
MALCOLM PREEDY was part of the first one-club front row to play for England. In 1984, the former Gloucester captain packed down with club-mates Steve Mills and Phil Blakeway against…
Ireland v Argentina: The Preview
A MUCH improved Argentina went to Cardiff a fortnight ago and deservedly beat a faltering Wales 26-12 so Ireland have no excuses for getting caught cold. They know they need…
Wales v New Zealand: The Preview
WALES THRIVE with the underdogs tag – but is a win over New Zealand a realistic possibility?
Lions watch: Movers and shakers for Australia 2013
HANGING-OFF cliff faces, dodging bullets and zip-wiring down air vents may seem like a Mission Impossible, but even Ethan Hunt would think twice about taking on Warren Gatland's Lions coaching…
Debate: Is it time to rethink Ireland’s backrow?
IN 21st century Test rugby, superstars play at No 7. Richie McCaw, David Pocock and Sam Warburton have all been heralded, with Michael Hooper, after his performance against England, set…
Ireland XV v Fiji: What did we learn?
AN EXPERIMENTAL Ireland XV convincingly swept aside Fiji 53-0 on a damp, and blustery Saturday evening in Limerick. So far, so good, yet the game lacked Test match intensity. This…