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Rugby Weekly Extra

Rugby Weekly Extra

581 episodes — Page 8 of 12

Munster get momentum, Eddie under big pressure, Gats to rescue Wales?

On Monday's podcast, Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey discuss Munster's big interprovincial win over Connacht in which they seemed to build upon the feel-good factor generated at Páirc Uí Chaoimh a few weeks ago. Murray and Berch assess what's become of Connacht's attack, which in a number of metrics is the worst in the URC. The lads look back on Australia's extraordinary comeback victory over Wales, which will likely prove transformative for Dave Rennie but terminal for Wayne Pivac's Wales tenure. Berch salutes 'world star' Mark Nawaqanitawase and Murray wonders if Warren Gatland's seemingly impending return to the top job in Wales could ruin his legacy, and whether coaches even think along those lines to begin with.After another poor England performance, Eddie Jones is another coach under serious pressure. Meanwhile, Rassie now runs World Rugby after one of the most impressive wins of his career.And finally, Berch takes a listener's question about what it's like to interview for major coaching roles, including the preparation involved and the topics discussed during a presentation to a board and/or CEO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 28, 20221h 6m

What the hell is going on in Welsh rugby?

Welsh rugby is back in crisis mode after last weekend's defeat to Georgia, so Murray Kinsella is joined by rugby journalist Steffan Thomas to discuss Wayne Pivac's future and the many issues causing turmoil in the regional and club game in Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 23, 202245 min

Grading Ireland's November, the Nic White incident, and which country would you like to be going into '23?

Ireland got over the line -- just -- against Australia in a physical but relatively low-quality affair at the Aviva on Saturday. Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Eoin Toolan join Gavan Casey to assess a patchy but gutsy Ireland performance, and the lads give their Irish report card for the November campaign as a whole. There is also a celebration of World Player of the Year, Josh van der Flier, who was crowned in Monaco on Sunday night.Nic White has been ruled out of Australia's final autumn test against Wales after suffering two knocks to the head in quick succession in Dublin. Murray, Berch and Eoin give their thoughts on how White was allowed to return to the field of play after a HIA, which arguably shouldn't have taken place to begin with, and they theorise as to how rugby can improve its currently imperfect in-game head-injury protocols.Plus, Georgia stun Wales in Cardiff, but it was no smash-and-grab. And Gavan laments England's 'cowardly' decision to kick the ball out for full-time after a brilliant heave to pull level with the All Blacks at Twickenham.To finish, Eoin, Murray and Berch choose the country they would prefer to be entering this next World Cup year... And none of them choose the World's Number One Team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 21, 20221h 9m

Byrne's big cojones get Ireland over the line against the Wallabies

Murray Kinsella and Ciarán Kennedy give their instant reaction from the Aviva Stadium after a 13-10 win for Andy Farrell's side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 202210 min

The Australian view from ex-Wallabies and Ulster lock Justin Harrison

Murray Kinsella is joined by Justin Harrison to discuss his time in Ireland, the pressure on Dave Rennie, his impressions of Ireland, and the magnificent Mack Hansen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 202239 min

Ireland-Fiji: it wasn't all bad... Plus, is Rassie becoming a problem for the game?

The lads are at full complement for a bumper Monday pod looking back over the weekend's November tests.Murray, Eoin, Bernard and Gavan find more positives than negatives from Ireland's win over Fiji, including the performances of Joey Carbery, Stuart McCloskey, Jeremy Loughman and Jack Crowley.Eoin gives the lay of the land in OZ after the Wallabies' shock defeat to Italy, and the lads look ahead to the visit of Dave Rennie's men to Dublin.Plus: why France, if we're honest, remain the world's number-one side, and has Rassie jumped the shark on Twitter? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 14, 20221h 5m

Farrell's scrappy Ireland score five tries against Fiji

Ciarán Kennedy and Murray Kinsella give their instant reaction to a 35-17 win for Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 12, 202211 min

Hugh Cahill: A life calling rugby

In a special bonus podcast for members, Garry Doyle chats to rugby commentator Hugh Cahill about his life calling the biggest rugby games, the importance of attention to detail and whether or not he gets nervous for games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 202244 min

Coombes' challenge, Crowley's rise, and Aussie agony against France

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss changes in the Ireland squad, the task ahead against Fiji, and how the Wallabies are shaping up for their visit to Dublin in two weekends' time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 202241 min

How Ireland won the most physical game Berch has ever seen

Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to break down Ireland's magnificent victory over South Africa at the Aviva. The lads have it out over who really edged the physical stakes and discuss their standout performers -- which, spoiler alert, were virtually all 23 Irish players.Murray also takes aim at centurion Conor Murray's haters, and the lads discuss Argentina's first win at Twickenham in 16 years and where things appear to be going wrong for Eddie Jones' England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 7, 20221h 2m

Ireland 19-16 South Africa: Post-match reaction pod

Murray Kinsella and Ciarán Kennedy break down a huge Ireland victory from the Aviva Stadium press box as the dust settles on Ireland 19-16 South Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 5, 202212 min

Ireland vs South Africa preview LIVE from the Harcourt Hotel

Gavan Casey, Murray Kinsella, and Benard Jackman got together for a special LIVE show from the Harcourt Hotel to preview Ireland vs South Africa. Plus, they are joined by our special guest for the night Will Connors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 20221h 36m

The South African view and how Ireland will be tested on Saturday

Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella are joined by ex-Springbok and current SuperSport analyst Hanyani Shimange to look ahead to this weekend's massive game in Dublin. The lads discuss selection, tactics, and the mental challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 202239 min

Murray's 100th, Crowley's the man, Ulster's maul, McKee to Munster?

Bernard Jackman joins Murray Kinsella to discuss Ulster's narrow win over Munster at Thomond Park, as well as URC victories for Connacht and Leinster. The lads also look towards Ireland's huge autumn clash with the Springboks in Dublin on Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31, 202240 min

Rugby's financial crisis, 'bullsh** values', and the urgent need to Grow The Game

'DOWN UNDER 4ED' campaign mentioned by Eoin at the top of the show:https://www.gofundme.com/f/down-under-4ed?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheetIn a special episode, the Monday and Wednesday crews join forces to discuss the financial state of the game globally. Eoin Toolan, Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to break down the longstanding issues facing Premiership clubs, the Welsh regions' current struggles, the gold-standard French system, and whether Irish rugby is properly positioned to survive and advance past a precarious economic period in the sport.The lads also discuss the health of the sport in the southern hemisphere, and why union has fallen so far behind league and AFL in Eoin's neck of the woods. Plus: why has rugby not taken off more in recent years? Can we make it more appealing to a broader audience and, equally pertinently, to younger viewers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 20221h 10m

Leinster's wastefulness, the Kleyn incident, Connacht's mini-Bundee

Gavan Casey is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to break down Leinster's latest win over Munster, while the lads also discuss Connacht's victory over Scarlets, as well as the Ireland squad for November. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 24, 202257 min

A message from Gav

With Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella both away this week, we will instead dig into Andy Farrell's Ireland selection on Friday. The lads will be back next week, however, for a very special edition of the Wednesday pod: Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey will join the Wednesday duo of Murray and Eoin for an in-depth chat about the financial state of rugby and its viability globally, as well as where Irish rugby stands relative to all of the precariousness of recent months.We'd love to put some of your questions to the lads so if you have any, fire them onto Gavan at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 20222 min

Leinster's direction, Ulster's bouncebackability, and why Munster should go the Arsenal route

Ciarán Kennedy and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey to discuss Leinster's toughed-out victory over Connacht, Munster's potential lift-off, and Ulster's barnburner in South Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 17, 202250 min

Worthwhile or worthless? Emerging Ireland tour review

After the young Irish side won three from three in South Africa, Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss what we learned, how disruptive it was for the provinces, and the standout players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 202237 min

Sexton's ref chat, Munster nearing crisis, Connacht step up

Johnny Sexton grabbed the limelight as Leinster saw off the Sharks in a URC thriller, while Munster's misery continued as they lost to Connacht. Gavan Casey is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to discuss those games, as well as a win for Ulster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 20221h 2m

Alarming news for rugby, and what Connacht need to do to beat Munster

A new study in Scotland suggests that ex-international players are 15 times more likely to develop motor neurone disease than the general population. Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss the disconcerting research. The lads also look forward to Connacht's big derby clash with Munster, detailing how Andy Friend's side need to improve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 202241 min

Leinster's big-game grit, Munster's malaise, and Connacht's worries

After another cracking weekend of URC action, Ciarán Kennedy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to review Leinster's win over Ulster, Munster's stuttering success against Zebre, and another defeat for Connacht over in South Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 3, 202257 min

Changing Schmidt's mind, and why rugby players still find it difficult to talk openly

Jamie Hagan has had a remarkable career that has taken him from Balbriggan to Leinster to Connacht to Melbourne to Béziers, with an Ireland cap in there too. Jamie joins Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella and speaks with disarming honesty about on his unique journey through the game.If you need to talk, contact:Pieta House 1800 247 247 (suicide, self-harm; 24/7 support)Samaritans 116 123Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)You can also text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 202245 min

Where to even start with Munster, and Welsh rugby's potential Premiership defection

Episode NotesOn Monday's show with Bernard Jackman, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey:04:52 - Dragons v Munster, and where it all went wrong at Rodney Parade for Graham Rowntree's men.22:20 - Stormers v Connacht, and what Bundee Aki could have done differently to his red-card clear-out.32:20 - Leinster v Benetton, how Leinster might shape up from a coaching POV next season, and Jason Jenkins' influence.49:18 - Scarlets v Ulster, John Cooney's essayist-influenced 30-point haul, and how close are Ulster to Leinster ahead of Friday's interpro?55:09 - Could two Welsh regions join the Premiership, and would it require an overhaul of Welsh regional rugby? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 26, 20221h 4m

Lancaster leaving Leinster and members mail bag on Emerging Ireland

Leinster fans got the news they dreaded this week - Stuart Lancaster is close to finalising a move away from the province next summer. Gavan Casey is joined by Murray Kinsella to discuss the latest on that front, while the lads also answer some questions from members about the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 202232 min

Munster's growing pains and green shoots, Leinster's fright in Italy

Performance analyst Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to go into detail on Munster's opening-round defeat to Cardiff and also break down Leinster's narrow win away to Zebre. The lads pick out their players of the week and the best plays from the URC action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 202242 min

Why Raynal was right; how does McCloskey have only six caps?; and Emerging Ireland RWC bolters

Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey for the first Monday pod of the 2022/23 season.On today's agenda:2.00: Mathieu Raynal v Australia -- the lads explain how they've separately come to be supporters of #TeamRaynal as the French referee's controversial decision from Thursday's Bledisloe Cup match continues to reverberate around the rugby world.15.00: Ulster v Connacht -- Stuart McCloskey's influence and the differences between him and Bundee Aki/Robbie Henshaw in an Ireland context; Ulster's standout performers, and concerns for Connacht as they pick up where they left off last season -- in a bad way.30.55: Zebre v Leinster -- A tough day in Parma for Leinster's defence; have they become too forward-oriented and, if so, how do they broaden their palette when it's so often the right approach for them on a game-by-game basis? 39.40: Cardiff v Munster -- A different-looking Munster but similar frustrations; a big change in their kicking game, and could Jack Crowley be the secret to a fully firing Mike Prendergast-steered attack?49.27: Berch v the Emerging Ireland tour -- Bernard and Murray discuss the potential RWC bolters from Ireland's development squad that is set to tour South Africa, and they also give their contrasting views on the merits of the tour as a whole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 19, 202257 min

Munster's new boardroom appointment, and is professional rugby living on borrowed time?

New Season! Bernard Jackman and Eoin Toolan join Murray to look in on Munster's suggested appointment of a chief operating officer, and why the sport's business model needs to improve, urgently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 12, 20221h 3m

NZ & SA roar back, and more kneejerk bollocksology from the lads

Eoin Toolan and Gavan Casey discuss New Zealand's Joe Schmidt-inspired obliteration of Argentina, South Africa's exciting destruction of Australia, and how drastically everything in southern-hemisphere rugby has changed in a week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 5, 202235 min

Koroibete’s the boy, Cheika’s Pumas bare their teeth, and Japan tour reflections

Eoin Toolan, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey assess the Rugby Championship action from the weekend, the Ireland women’s team’s disappointing defeat to Japan, and a potential ‘Emerging Ireland’ men’s tour of South Africa which will overlap with the URC schedule next month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 29, 20221h 1m

Ireland's young guns shine in remarkable comeback win over Japan

Gavan Casey and Murray Kinsella break down how Greg McWilliams' Ireland recovered from a worrying start to score nine tries in their first-Test victory over Japan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 22, 202231 min

Schmidt and Ryan transform All Blacks, Argentina do a RWC 2015 on depleted Australia

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to look back on two Rugby Championship games from the weekend which subverted their expectations.Ian Foster's All Blacks, with the help of the conspicuous respective influences of Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan, turned South Africa over in Ellis Park -- but is it enough to say they have turned the corner under Foster or will he be sacked before they face Argentina?Michael Cheika's men, meanwhile, scored seven tries in a record win over Australia, whose depth at out-half is of primary concern to Eoin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 15, 202239 min

South Africa still the apex predators, more NZ woe, and Michael Hooper is the man

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to dig into the Rugby Championship action from the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 8, 202237 min

Basking in Ireland's victory and summer rugby round-up

Ciarán and Eoin continue to bask in the glory of Ireland's win over New Zealand and they run through the other summer series tests across the globe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 20, 202232 min

Ireland's legendary stand, and Israel Dagg on rugby's existential crisis in NZ

Murray, Bernard and Gavan are joined by former All Black great Israel Dagg to reflect on a day of starkly contrasting emotions for Irish and Kiwi rugby fans in Wellington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 18, 20221h 3m

Ireland's greatest ever achievement? Farrell's men make history

Garry Doyle in Wellington tells Murray Kinsella what it was like to be there as Ireland secured their brilliant series success over the All Blacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16, 202216 min

Ireland's superpower, 'deliberate' knock-ons, and hailing the great Georgia

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss Ireland's bid for a Test series success in New Zealand, while the lads also discuss wins for Georgia, England, Wales, Scotland, France, and more in what is a hectic month of rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 13, 202251 min

Good times rolling for Ireland as they beat the Māori All Blacks

Garry Doyle checks in from Wellington after Andy Farrell's midweek team recorded an impressive victory over the Māori, with plenty of excellent individual performances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 12, 202216 min

How Ireland beat the All Blacks to set up a thrilling Series decider

Gavan Casey is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to break down Ireland's historic win in New Zealand and look forward to tomorrow's clash with the Maori All Blacks as well as the decisive third Test on Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 11, 20221h 10m

Ireland beat New Zealand to blow test wide open

Episode NotesCiarán Kennedy is joined by Garry Doyle as they look back on a historic victory for Ireland against The All Blacks in New Zealand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 202216 min

Life on tour with Peter O’Reilly of The Sunday Times

In a bonus members pod ahead of Saturday’s second Test, Garry Doyle sits down with Sunday Times sportswriter Peter O’Reilly to reflect on 20 years of covering the Irish rugby team on tour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 7, 202217 min

Hope for Ireland, Rennie's resilient Wallabies, Boks break Welsh hearts

Eoin Toolan is back in Sydney but joins Murray Kinsella to discuss Ireland's chances of turning the All Blacks series around, how Eddie Jones' England suffered Down Under, and what went wrong for Wales in Test 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 6, 202243 min

The Kiwi take from Dave Dillon, Garry Doyle in NZ, and how to deepen Irish rugby's talent pool

On today's pod, Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey are joined firstly by outgoing Kobelco Steelers head coach Dave Dillon. Taking a break from packing his bags ahead of his move home to New Zealand after six years in Japan, the former Chiefs player development/talent identification manager gives listeners the Kiwi perspective on his country's resounding win over Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday, and gives Berch an insight into New Zealand's talent-development strategy.Murray then catches up with The42's own Garry Doyle down in New Zealand to suss the vibe in Auckland, the Ireland camp and beyond.To finish, the three O.G.s dig into various aspects of Ireland's performance, both bad (a lot of it) and decent (including Joey Carbery, as far as Murray was concerned), and Berch goes on one of his trademark, impassioned rants about talent-identification in this country, and how we've reached a stage where Michael Bent -- with the greatest respect to him -- has been required to give Ireland a dig-out in the front row. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 4, 20221h 29m

Ireland's chastening day in Auckland as All Blacks land big first blow

Garry Doyle joins Murray Kinsella on the line from Eden Park after Ireland's 42-19 defeat to New Zealand in the first Test of the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 2, 202211 min

Rugby Weekly Live - post Māori All Blacks loss review and rest of Tour preview.

The one where The Gang all meet up for the first time (since the thing). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 20221h 52m

Joe Schmidt versus Ireland

SPECIAL EVENT - Join us for a preview night of Ireland's New Zealand tour this Wednesday in Dublin: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/all-blacks-v-ireland-tour-preview-night-with-the42-tickets-359417987877Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey assess the overnight developments in New Zealand where a number of Covid cases in the All Blacks coaching setup have led to former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt taking charge against his former second-in-command Andy Farrell in Auckland.The series has taken on a new dimension with Schmidt standing in for Ian Foster, but there are equally injury blows to a couple of important players for both sides, while Mack Hansen has been ruled out of the first test having himself tested positive for Covid.The lads give their thoughts on what would constitute a successful summer for Ireland, beginning with Wednesday's first run-out against the Maori All Blacks.Plus: a difficult day for an injury-ravaged Ireland 20s, Montpellier find their Holy Grail in France, and a completely unplanned discussion comparing the French and Irish talent-production systems Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 27, 20221h 1m

Crusaders assistant Tamati Ellison: making Super Rugby champs, working with 'Razor' and Goodman, and NZ-Ireland

On today's pod, Eoin Toolan and Gavan Casey are joined by Crusaders assistant coach and former All Black Tamati Ellison, who has escaped the celebrations and made it home to Wellington after the Canterbury outfit secured their 13th Super Rugby title.The former utility back gives an insight into how he prepared the Crusaders defence to choke the life out of the table-topping and favoured Blues in Auckland on Saturday, and how his versatility as a player contributed to his defensive philosophy.The well-travelled Ellison tells us why the Crusaders' environment is special for both players and coaches, and gives a peek behind the curtain of what it's like to work alongside the larger-than-life 'Razor' Robertson. Plus, he has some insight for Leinster fans as to what they should expect from their new attack coach, his buddy and colleague Andrew Goodman who will depart for the eastern province ahead of next season.Ellison will be plotting against Ireland in a coaching role with the New Zealand Maori in the coming weeks, and he gives his honest thoughts on the overall series as the Kiwis unite to try to send Andy Farrell's men home with their tails between their legs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 22, 202239 min

Long live Dobbo's lunatic Stormers, Burns' World Cups come good, and a summer of pressure for Jones and Foster

On today's show, Bernard Jackman and Ciarán Kennedy join Gavan Casey for a suitably stacked chat following an enthralling weekend of rugby showpieces.'Berch' was on commentary duty for the Stormers' URC final success over the Bulls in Cape Town and he wonders whether he broke the rules by laughing out loud at the sheer insanity that became the final quarter. The lads dig into the Stormers' and former 'party animal' Jon Dobson's journey, and how they're an outlier from other champion teams in modern terms.There were redemption arcs all over the place at Twickenham, too, as Leicester Tigers saw off Sarries to reclaim their spot at the top of the English domestic game. Berch and Ciarán provide insights into the remarkable job Steve Borthwick has done at Welford Road, all of which was crowned with the swing of an Adidas World Cup boot by forgotten man Freddie Burns.After chatting about the Crusaders' Super Rugby final success over the favoured Blues, the lads look ahead to Ireland's tour of New Zealand, where Berch reckons Ian Foster may be a man under pressure -- particularly with Joe Schmidt operating away behind the scenes.And speaking of pressure, how about Eddie Jones? Ciarán and Berch have different interpretations of England's heavy defeat to the Barbarians but a consensus can be formed on one thing: it was pretty funny. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 20, 20221h 13m

Mannie Libbok's conversion strands Darren Cave in Cape Town

The former Ulster and Ireland centre joins Gavan Casey from South Africa to reflect on a galling day for Ulster in Cape Town, where he was stood next to friends and former team-mates as Mannie Libbok's conversion ended the northern province's season.The lads look back on Ulster's performance versus the Stormers and look ahead to the URC final, for which Darren will again work as a pitch-side reporter for RTÉ. He also isn't as downbeat about Leinster's anticlimactic finish to the season as others, and explains why he believes there has been an overreaction to their defeats to La Rochelle and the Bulls.Plus: Ireland squad chat, and a weird tangent about Rory Scannell by Gavan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 15, 202251 min

The South Africans had their own interpretation of 'adding to the competition'

Episode NotesSPECIAL EVENT - Join us for a preview night of Ireland's New Zealand tour: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/all-blacks-v-ireland-tour-preview-night-with-the42-tickets-359417987877 All throughout this URC season we have praised what the South African franchises have 'added to the competition', but never did we imagine they'd so cruelly take it away from us.Bernard Jackman and Ciarán Kennedy join Gavan Casey to look back on two pulsating URC semis, neither of which went the way of the remaining Irish provinces.The lads discuss how -- and why -- it was left to Johnny Sexton to take the fight to the Bulls off Leinster's bench, and Jake White's simplistic plan to beat the long-reigning champions.They also look at Ulster's loss to the Stormers, one area on which they clearly need to work if they are to take 'the next step', and the development of Robert Baloucoune's all-round game which will hopefully lead to a breakout summer in New Zealand.Plus: the All Blacks name their squad for that summer tour, and Christophe Urios runs into bother with his own players as Bordeaux-Begles book their Top14 semi-final spot at the expense of Racing.As always, to send your feedback or submit a question for the next episode, fire an e-mail to [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 13, 202254 min