The Counter Ruck

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RUGBY
UPDATED WEEKLY

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times. Produced in association with Harcourt Bar & Garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 DAYS AGO

Ireland’s unconvincing Japan job

Ireland 41 Japan 10: back on track after the Chicago disappointment or a worrying, laboured victory? Did Ireland get what they needed from returning players? Did newer faces step up? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to give their thoughts. Meanwhile over in Spain, Ireland’s second string impressed against the tier two nation. Can anyone from that group force their way into senior Irish reckoning any time soon? Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37 min
6 DAYS AGO

A big weekend for Ireland’s emerging rugby talent

Two Irish sides take to the pitch on Saturday; Andy Farrell’s senior outfit takes on Japan before a second-string side play Spain. Plenty of interesting selection calls have been made, while a number of high-profile players - Caelan Doris included - return to starting roles. What are the storylines and performances to watch? Who needs a big display to keep their spot, and who might force their way into first choice reckoning? John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 min
4 NOV

Are Ireland sliding down rugby's global pecking order?

Where does Ireland’s defeat to the All Blacks leave them in world rugby’s hierarchy? After a solid if unspectacular opening hour, Ireland collapsed to a two-score defeat in the final quarter. The Irish kicking game brought plenty of joy, but New Zealand’s bench ultimately turned the contest. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the action from Ireland’s Chicago trip. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

46 min
31 OCT

Can Ireland upset the odds against New Zealand?

Is this the most undercooked an Irish side has been heading into an international window? Is Andy Farrell picking on form? What to make of Jack Crowley at outhalf, Stuart McCloskey at centre and Caelan Doris on the bench? Do Ireland stand any chance of upsetting a New Zealand side which has yet to convince under Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson? Gerry Thornley is our man on the ground in Chicago. He joins Nathan Johns to build up to Ireland’s Chicago clash with the All Blacks. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 min
28 OCT

How to save a young Irish rugby player’s career

In a slightly different episode, Gordon D’Arcy has gone digging around his attic for career memories. A teammate feedback sheet from his aged 21 season prompts today’s discussion. In these anonymous submissions, D’Arcy was given both praise and constructive yet strong criticism about his early days with Leinster. In his own words, it was the sheet which “changed everything.” What was said by his peers, how did it affect his behaviour and how did he go on to achieve what he did? Plus, a review of the opening five rounds of the URC as attention turns to the international stage. Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

47 min
24 OCT

After a decade of success, can Irish rugby continue to achieve?

Brendan Fanning has just published a book on the modern history of Irish rugby. Looking at recent successes, he speaks to the heavy hitters involved to figure out if we are set-up to continue growing, stay still or go backwards. Brendan joins The Counter Ruck to discuss his book, Touching Distance, to analyse the biggest issues that have affected the game since 2007. What is Stuart Lancaster’s relationship with Andy Farrell like? What does David Nucifora think of Munster? Are the good times here to stay or already gone? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37 min
21 OCT

What we learned from Munster’s emphatic win over Leinster

Munster battered their provincial rivals for the first time in a long time, potentially igniting this derby match for the future. Were Leinster simply undercooked as they continued to bring back their Lions or has the tide turned on this previously one-sided grudge match? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to recap the weekend’s action and look ahead to the ramifications of this game for Ireland’s November series. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

39 min
17 OCT

Ireland’s November squad: valuable rotation or more of the same?

Andy Farrell named a settled Ireland squad for the upcoming November internationals this week. With just one uncapped player - Leinster’s Paddy McCarthy - has he taken the opportunity to regenerate the side halfway through a World Cup cycle? Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the more interesting selections. Why has McCarthy risen so quickly up the depth chart? Can Tommy O’Brien force his way in? Why are there so many Leinster players? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

32 min

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A rugby podcast from The Irish Times. Produced in association with Harcourt Bar & Garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.