So, Munster can be Munster after all. They have finished the season on a high note, with a performance of raw courage and true grit. Their match with the Sharks was one of the most dramatic encounters in United Rugby Championship history. The stadium in Durban was packed to the rafters, the men in red … Read more
Mighty Munster may have won it in the first minute, assisted by a blade or two of whitewashed grass. But they certainly did win it in the last seconds, thanks to a refereeing decision which went their way. It was a stroll in Croke Park for Leinster. A marvellous team display but hardly of great … Read more
Confused? Me too, but maybe the following will help straighten a few things out. Firstly, to the near miracle of MacHale Park. Connacht left it ridiculously late in the day to get all cylinders firing, but still came within a croc roll of winning. So often the hero, Bundee Aki was the villain, his rolling … Read more
The WhatsApp groups are still busily pinging away, the grapevine is jumping. Foul play, the stuff of red cards and serious injury, are high on the agenda. Here’s my take on things. World Rugby insist that referees themselves can award a straight red, but, quite obviously, they don’t want to; and while the bunker might … Read more
Cardiff, the Principality Stadium. “There’s no place on Earth quite like it.” I’ve said that before, and I’ll probably say it again. If any Ireland players doubted the high degree of difficulty in producing an A-grade performance in this inspiring cathedral of rugby then they will doubt no more. There had been a disquieting sense … Read more
It was won at a canter. If Willie Mullins saddled a favourite that won without having to raise a ferocious gallop down the home straight, he’d be mightily pleased. And so should Ireland be. They won very easily, the final scoreline of 32-18 was actually misleading. The new goalline drop out law continues to annoy. … Read more
Chris Busby. A good man, and now a significant loss to elite rugby refereeing. The first thing to say is that I have not spoken to Busby following his decision to resign. These are my words, my opinion, and it shouldn’t be construed that I am writing on his behalf. I’m not. It’s uncertain as … Read more
Where to start? This week will see the introduction of new global law trials, which are the fruit of World Rugby’s various specialist groups. They have been charged with delivering a fresh “fan-focused, reimagining of the game”. But before we get to those, I am compelled to start with some scrum stuff. And that’s because, … Read more