Rugby Weekly Extra

Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey had their hands full on Monday's pod after a stacked week of European action for the provinces and massive news in the wider rugby world.Firstly, Eddie Jones is back in the saddle, replacing Dave Rennie as the Wallabies' head coach less than nine months out from the World Cup. The lads assess a ruthless decision by Rugby Australia and whether or not it feels like the right call.Murray was in La Rochelle on Saturday as Ulster had their hearts broken at the death. He and 'Berch' determine whether or not their spirited performance in biblical conditions constitutes a turning point for Dan McFarland's men, and our analysts also give their thoughts on the northern province's half-back selection for a "season-defining" home tie with Sale Sharks.Leinster were, again, imperious in their destruction of Gloucester -- but how seriously should we take their apparent issues at the scrum and in lineout maul defence in recent weeks? Murray outlines why Jamie Osborne is an "elite" prospect for both Leinster and Ireland, and Berch takes us back to his first impressions of European-rugby centurion Cian Healy and why he's stunned that the 35-year-old has made it this far in his pro rugby career.The lads also delved into Munster's 14-man stand against Northampton which saw Graham Rowntree hand the keys to young, inexperienced players off the bench even as Saints began to turn the screw entering the final quarter. Gavin Coombes, meanwhile, has taken his game to a new level; Murray explains how and why.Plus, Connacht hockeyed Brive in Galway, but is there something afoot with Bundee Aki? Andy Friend certainly appeared to suggest as much post-match.And Berch gives his thoughts on some noise from professional coaches who are planning on making the case to World Rugby for an NRL-style post-match review process for high tackles, which would prevent red cards from 'ruining the game' as they see it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to discuss Owen Farrell's 6/4/3-match ban. The lads react to the news that Munster have ruled themselves out of the signing of Malcolm Marx, and Eoin explains why they'd be better off looking for a prop in any case.They also look ahead to the weekend's Champions Cup games involving the provinces and discuss Connacht's coaching future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster appeared to be in big trouble against the Ospreys but they managed to win yet again. Gavan Casey is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to discuss how they did it.The lads also break down Ulster's latest defeat as their deeply worrying run of bad results continues, while they discuss Munster's win over the Lions and the southern province's hopes to keep building their squad. There's also a chat on Connacht's fine bonus-point win over the visiting Sharks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss Johnny Sexton's injury and what it means for Ireland. Does Joey Carbery go straight into the number 10 shirt for the start of the Six Nations if Sexton isn't back? Who else is really in the frame? How much would Sexton love to get one over on Warren Gatland?The lads also look forward to another big weekend of URC action. Eoin highlights the subtle variations in Leinster's play, the lack of confidence in Ulster, the growing sense of cohesion in Munster, and Connacht's hopes of a huge result against the Sharks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first pod of a big 2023, Gavan Casey is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to discuss Munster's stunning comeback win against Ulster. The lads speak about Ben Healy's role off the bench as the Tipperary man gets set for a move to Scottish rugby.There's also plenty of chat about Ulster's mid-season collapse, as well as a review of Leinster's latest win. Berch and Murray were impressed by Ryan Baird once again as Leo Cullen's men beat Connacht.Gav also wonders how big a part the Sharks and Stormers will have to play in the second half of this season as the South African sides hit strong form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a festive final pod of the calendar year, Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to answer three core questions about each of the provinces -- and the Ireland men's national team entering a World Cup year:• What’s a reasonable expectation of them in 2023?• What is the biggest area of improvement that could help them to achieve or exceed their expectations in 2023?• Who or what should their fans be most excited about going into 2023?Timestamps: Connacht (3:55), Ulster (12:58), Munster (21:12), Leinster (29:10), Ireland (36:03).Thanks to all of our members for your continued support over the last 12 months. Have a great one, everybody, and catch you on 3 January for a big Christmas review episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey to explain why he feels Munster are tracking in the right direction on both sides of the ball after they held out Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.Leinster laid waste to a second-string Gloucester in Dublin, and while Berch laments George Skivington's decision to make 13 changes, he doesn't judge the Cherries boss for sparing his front-liners a beating within the context of the current Champions Cup format.Ulster left the Aviva with two bonus points against champions La Rochelle, and Berch believes the northern province should look closer to home rather than blame the EPCR for the 11th-hour switch of venue.And Connacht trucked on in the Challenge Cup, beating Brive despite some "scary" game-management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey and he has it on good authority that Eddie Jones is heading back to his homeland for a gig with Rugby Australia, perhaps as soon as 2023. But how will it work?The lads also discuss the Bernard Laporte corruption scandal, and then dig into Leinster, Ulster and Munster's performances in the Champions Cup over the weekend. Eoin gives a glimpse of what John Ryan can expect on his new gig with the Chiefs in New Zealand, while Gavan wonders if Ryan -- unusually -- sealed his move by training hard while he was on Barbarians duty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey to assess a mixed bag of results for the provinces in Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Kennedy is joined by Eoin Toolan, who was impressed by the ‘ballsy’ decisions in Wales and England to relieve Wayne Pivac and Eddie Jones of their duties so close to a World Cup.Eoin ponders Jones’ next move and makes the point that his abrasive style is not always best suited to the modern player.Also, the lads look ahead to a huge weekend in Europe for the provinces and pick their Champions Cup winners before a ball is kicked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Murray Kinsella to discuss a very impressive Leinster comeback win, as well as Munster's bonus-point victory in Edinburgh, and Connacht's win against Benetton. The lads also chat about Eddie Jones, Welsh rugby, and the great Doddie Weir. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss 'the shape of the game' as World Rugby looks to make rugby a better product, while the lads also assess how Pool B is shaping up with just nine months to go until the action kicks off in France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.