The Counter Ruck podcast

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Vor sieben Jahren hinzugefügt

Inhalt bereitgestellt von Declan Conlon and The Irish Times. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Declan Conlon and The Irish Times oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.

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1
The Southwest’s Wildest Outdoor Art: From Lightning Fields to Sun Tunnels 30:55

vor 4 Tagen30:55

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30:55

A secret field that summons lightning. A massive spiral that disappears into a salt lake. A celestial observatory carved into a volcano. Meet the wild—and sometimes explosive—world of land art, where artists craft masterpieces with dynamite and bulldozers. In our Season 2 premiere, guest Dylan Thuras, cofounder of Atlas Obscura, takes us off road and into the minds of the artists who literally reshaped parts of the Southwest. These works aren’t meant to be easy to reach—or to explain—but they just might change how you see the world. Land art you’ll visit in this episode: - Double Negative and City by Michael Heizer (Garden Valley, Nevada) - Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson (Great Salt Lake, Utah) - Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt (Great Basin Desert, Utah) - Lightning Field by Walter De Maria (Catron County, New Mexico) - Roden Crater by James Turrell (Painted Desert, Arizona) Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group.…

The Counter Ruck

Serie-Home•Feed

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times. Produced in association with Harcourt Bar & Garden.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

181 Episoden

#Sports #Rugby #Declan Conlon #Irish Times #Ireland #National #Leinster #Munster #Connaught #Ulster #Champions Cup

The Counter Ruck

85 subscribers

updated vor 11 Stunden

Serie-Home•Feed

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times. Produced in association with Harcourt Bar & Garden.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

181 Episoden

#Sports #Rugby #Declan Conlon #Irish Times #Ireland #National #Leinster #Munster #Connaught #Ulster #Champions Cup

Alle Folgen

1
Where do Leinster go next after more Champions Cup heartache? 40:31

vor 11 hours40:31

40:31

Prior to Saturday, Leinster hadn’t conceded a point in European knockout action this year. No team had run in five tries against them in this competition since 2016. Northampton changed all that, leaving Leinster’s latest European escapade in tatters, scoring 37 points on route to a thrilling victory at the Aviva Stadium. How did they do what no other team has done since 2016, let alone this year? Is Leinster’s galactico bubble burst? Why did they not start Jordie Barrett? If Leinster aren’t going to win in Europe this year with this squad at their disposal, when will they? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the latest defeat, the extent of the damage and work out where the province can go from here. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Leinster vs Northampton - the comeback final revisited 35:17

vor 5 Tagen35:17

35:17

Just one Irish province is in action this weekend, with Leinster taking on Northampton in the Champions Cup semi-finals. Joining Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns on today’s episode is a man who played for both sides in his career, James Downey. A centre back in his day, Downey lined up directly opposite D’Arcy in the infamous comeback final in 2011, Leinster overturning a 22-6 half-time deficit to win their second Heineken Cup. The story of Leinster’s turnaround has been well told at this stage, but Downey gives a unique perspective from the Northampton side. Where did it all go wrong? As a player who left Leinster early in his career in search of opportunities, not to mention his current role as an agent, Downey also provides a unique perspective on a current hot topic in Irish rugby; player movement and the talent backlog at Leinster. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Will Leinster be the only Irish team in the URC knockouts? 47:25

vor 7 Tagen47:25

47:25

For the first time since 2015, all four Irish provinces lost on a single weekend of domestic action. Add this to Ireland women’s defeat to Scotland to wrap up the Six Nations and it was an unusually glum 48 hours for rugby in this country. Panic stations or just a blip? The playoff picture currently being painted leaves just one province, Leinster, playing knockout rugby in the coming weeks. There are also Champions Cup permutations. As it stands, Munster, Connacht and Ulster won’t be playing top tier European rugby next season, a result which would be borderline disastrous - for Munster particularly given they have an incoming new head coach. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend. Where did it all go wrong, and will any Irish side improve over the final few weeks of the season? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Should the 7-1 split be outlawed? 18:13

vor 12 Tagen18:13

18:13

The now infamous 7-1 forward split on the bench hit the headlines once again recently when World Rugby announced they would not be outlawing the practice. The innovation, first used by South Africa and made more prominent by France in the recent Six Nations, is controversial in some quarters . While not quite at culture war levels, the use of extra forwards has prompted a strong rebuke, as either dangerous, against the spirit of the game, or both, from plenty of those involved in the game. One of those is Owen Doyle. A former international referee and current Irish Times columnist, he joins Nathan Johns to talk through World Rugby’s latest law development. Should the 7-1 split be outlawed, or is it simply a case of clever innovation, leaving the rest of the world to catch up? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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How to fix the Champions Cup? 23:30

vor 14 Tagen23:30

23:30

The Champions Cup is not the competition it used to be. For all Munster’s recent trips to France provided a feel-good window of sport at its best, plenty of dead rubber ties reminded us that it is difficult to get the best of the best facing off in truly competitive ties. That the pool stages have featured too many hammerings on the scoreboard to be a proper competition has been true for some time. That such drubbings continue until the quarter-final stage is worrying. Plenty of column inches and podcast segments have been dedicated to calling out the issue for what it is, but what are the solutions? Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to explore what can be done. How did it get to this stage in the first place? Are the English clubs truly dedicated to the competition? How have TV rights issues played into the problem? How can we fix the Champions Cup? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Why do Leinster keep signing All Blacks? 28:03

vor 19 Tagen28:03

28:03

On any other day, an Irish provincial coach leaving his job with immediate effect would be front page news. As it happens, on the same day Pete Wilkins announces his departure from Connacht, Leinster revealed their next big name signing. Out goes Jordie Barrett this summer, in comes Rieko Ioane, his All Blacks centre partner. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the move. Does it make sense, both from a positional and character sense, given Ioane’s role as a pantomime villain when facing Ireland last year? Should Leinster be allowed to continually make these signings by the IRFU? Is it a case of the rich getting richer? Will Ioane block the development of younger Irish players? Or is Irish rugby right to let the free market do its work? John O’Sullivan, our resident U20s expert, also breaks down the shock decision of Reuben Crothers to retire from rugby just three years after leading Ireland to underage Grand Slam glory. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Will Champions Cup blowouts come back to haunt Leinster? 45:14

vor 21 Tagen45:14

45:14

Watching the Champions Cup rugby action over the weekend, Gordon D’Arcy was taken by young Henry Pollock. The 20-year-old England flanker scored twice for Northampton in their quarter-final win over Castres, a result which tees up a last four trip to Dublin to take on Leinster. But which familiar face closer to home does Pollock remind D’Arcy of? Is the comparison a foreshadower of things to come? Alongside the Northampton game, Gordon joins John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns to discuss the weekend’s rugby. Munster’s lineout woes cost them dear in Bordeaux, but what else is holding them back from a magic European run? Toulouse were tested by Toulon on Sunday, does this indicate they may not be the same juggernaut which beat Leinster last year? After back-to-back games where their opponents failed to score, are Leinster in imperious form or have they simply not been battle tested by quality opposition? What does this say for their semi-final and final prospects? Plus, Ireland in theory narrowed the gap to England after a defeat in the women’s Six Nations. How did they go about closing the gap to the title favourites, and are they continuing to build positively ahead of the World Cup? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Joey Carbery, Munster and Ireland - where did it all go wrong? 26:31

vor 26 Tagen26:31

26:31

Munster’s reward for their victory in La Rochelle is a Champions Cup quarter-final tie away in Bordeaux. Their former outhalf, Joey Carbery, started for the French side last weekend against Ulster. The coach leading their famed attack, is another man with Munster roots, the Co Clare native Noel McNamara. Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to explore the Irish links to the French club. Was moving to Bordeaux the right move for Carbery? Where would he sit in the Irish outhalf pecking order if he moved home? Should Irish rugby look to get McNamara back involved in their system given the performances of Bordeaux’s attack? How did a non-traditional rugby city start churning out the best attendance numbers in the Top 14? Can Munster pull off another upset on the road in France? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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How did Munster stun O’Gara’s La Rochelle? 35:33

vor 28 Tagen35:33

35:33

The weekend’s rugby action brought a result to remember for Munster in their first competitive outing against La Rochelle, coached by their former outhalf Ronan O’Gara. With wins elsewhere for Leinster and Connacht, plus a valiant defeat for Ulster, John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s action. How did Munster pull off the upset in France? Is this another peak for the province to be followed by a trough, or can they back it up against Bordeaux? Is Leinster’s attack back firing, or was their drubbing of Harlequins just another example of the flawed Champions Cup structure? Albeit in defeat, have Ulster turned a corner with the likes of Jacob Stockdale and James McNabney impressing? Which players boosted their summer international hopes, either with the Lions or Ireland? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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A history of Leinster and Harlequins' 'bloody' rivalry 33:35

vor 5 weeks33:35

33:35

Irish players prepare for another European weekend of action, with Leinster taking on Harlequins, Munster playing La Rochelle in the Ronan O’Gara derby, Ulster away to Bordeaux and Connacht lining out against Cardiff. The past few weeks of URC action, while throwing up plenty of intriguing storylines, has been a reminder of how much interest in the national game drives the sport here. Rugby is at somewhat of a crossroads, financially speaking. Simon Keogh, the CEO of Rugby Players Ireland, represents the interests of players in the wider discussions on the future of the game. A former Leinster and Harlequins scrumhalf and wing, he joins The Counter Ruck alongside Nathan Johns and his former teammate Gordon D’Arcy. We chat memories of playing with and against each other, the infamous Bloodgate match between Leinster and ‘Quins, as well as the current state of the sport from the players perspective. What are the pressing issues facing players today? Does the Irish system allow for better player management than other countries? How does rugby become a financially sustainable entity? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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How did Leinster’s young guns outmatch the Sharks? 27:00

vor 5 weeks27:00

27:00

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review the weekend’s action. How did Connacht fail to take advantage of Munster’s red card in the test in the west? How much do we read into the Leinster youngsters beating the Sharks, or is that particular South African team always prone to madness? Are we finally seeing Ulster’s exciting back line turn a corner? Speaking of back lines, Ireland finally take the handbrake off in a record Six Nations win over Italy. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Have the Lions left Ireland in the lurch? 26:52

vor 6 weeks26:52

26:52

On Wednesday, Andy Farrell confirmed three Irish coaches would be his assistants for the upcoming Lions tour. Simon Easterby, John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman join England’s Richard Wigglesworth and Scotland’s John Dalziel on the coaching ticket. The launch event was impressive in parts, a reminder of the corporate behemoth the Lions has become. But does this commercial standing come at the cost of the Lions ethos? John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns - who attended the launch event in London - to discuss the place of the Lions in modern rugby. Plus, with only Paul O’Connell remaining on the Irish ticket for this summer’s tour of Portugal and Georgia, does the Lions tour deprive Ireland of their key coaches ahead of an important tour for a side in transition? Or, is the opportunity for coach development too good to pass up? We hear from Andy Farrell himself, as well as other Irish coaches who will be travelling down under. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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The gap between club and international rugby is widening - here's why it matters 28:31

vor 6 weeks28:31

28:31

This weekend saw a series of thrilling, high scoring matches in the United Rugby Championship. Leinster, Munster and Connacht all lost - Ulster provided the sole Irish win of the weekend - but fans of attacking rugby cannot say that they were bored. Is this what we want to see from rugby matches, though? Do we want a basketball style, end-to-end product wherever whoever has the ball last takes on the final shot to win? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s action and assess the state of the game. Is this an issue of how rugby is officiated? What to make of defence coaches’ role in all this? Are we catering too much to new audiences or younger people with shorter attention spans? Plus, we review the women’s Six Nations where Ireland lost to France, albeit in a way which avoided the heavy defeats of years gone by. Did Ireland’s coaching staff cleverly manage to stick a plaster on the talent gap, or are Ireland making serious strides? Is the domestic game adequately preparing the players for the top level? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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What next for the provinces after the Six Nations? 27:27

vor 7 weeks27:27

27:27

Attention turns to provincial action and the women’s Six Nations after a lengthy men’s international campaign. With senior internationals set to be rested domestically, which young prospects can further their summer tour aspirations with a strong display over the next few weeks? How are Ulster fixed sitting as low as 14th in the table? Connacht seem set for coaching upheaval, how will they fare for the rest of the season? Will Leinster maintain their buffer at the top? Can Munster maintain their position in the top eight? John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to chat through all the talking points. We also preview the women’s Six Nations, analysing if lopsided results in the Celtic Challenge have given Ireland proper preparation for their French challenge this weekend. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Are Ireland only Europe’s third best team? 27:38

vor 7 weeks27:38

27:38

Ireland’s final standing in the Six Nations depends on how you frame it. Third in Europe behind France and England doesn’t sound ideal. But plenty are young enough to remember when campaigns featuring four victories were gold dust. Is the glass half full or half empty? John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy were in Rome to take in a clunky victory over Italy and they join host Nathan Johns to dissect the game and the tournament as a whole. Where do Ireland go from here? How will they evolve under Simon Easterby? Does this look a jaded group in need of a refresh? Which players should we keep an eye out on the summer tour? How much of a job will Andy Farrell have on his hands next season to revitalise a group still lacking depth? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Steve Aboud: the Irishman who saved Italian rugby 1:06:23

vor 8 weeks1:06:23

1:06:23

Steve Aboud is widely credited with revitalising Italy’s youth development. A number of the players leading the country’s rise from the bottom of the Six Nations pile, names including Garbisi and Menoncello, benefited from the structures he put in place. After a stint in charge of Canada Rugby’s high-performance department, Aboud returns to Rome later this year to head up the professional game. In a previous life, Aboud worked with the IRFU national academies before the provinces started working with the best schools talents. He took our own Gordon D’Arcy into the Irish system at a young age. Alongside D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and host Nathan Johns, Aboud appears on The Counter Ruck ahead of Ireland’s clash with Italy. In a lengthy chat, Aboud explains why he is hopeful Italian rugby will continue to grow, while he also addresses the reasons behind his brief departure. Given Aboud’s talent development expertise, the group get into an in-depth discussion on the best ways to visualise and grow the game, and how to produce the best players. Ireland’s production line is widely praised, but how does it actually look under the hood? Are things as rosy as they seem? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Is it easy to over-react to Ireland’s French defeat? 35:54

vor 8 weeks35:54

35:54

It’s been a long time since Ireland were beaten as badly as Saturday’s French shellacking. Back in 2022 they also lost to 15 points away in New Zealand. Not since 2019, against England, have Ireland been left feeling so shell-shocked at home. Where did it all go wrong? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through what was a French defensive masterclass. Following on from last week’s episode on talent development, the pair discuss how France had more powerful, game-changing athletes than Ireland. We also analyse the performance of Ireland’s halfbacks as well as how Ireland’s attack struggles to break down a certain kind of defensive system. Longer term, is this the time to rotate the team, to make wholesale changes, or was this result just part of sport’s cyclical, variable nature? Was this a sea change, a sign of France’s growing power in this rivalry or should we not panic just yet? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Is Ireland vs France the best rivalry of the modern era? 23:45

vor 9 weeks23:45

23:45

For the third time in as many years, it looks that the winner of Ireland’s clash with France will go on to win the Six Nations. Who, then, are the favourites for Saturday’s clash in Dublin and why? Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to preview the clash. What does Ireland’s selection of Jamie Osborne as Mack Hansen’s injury replacement tell us of the impending game plan? Will Ireland continue to be a kick-heavy team? What to make of France’s attack scoring a plethora of tries so far in this competition? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Are France better at developing young players than Ireland? 37:47

vor 9 weeks37:47

37:47

A regular talking point when Ireland take on France is the competitively younger age of the French line up. Louis Bielle-Biarrey debuted when he was still eligible for France U20s. Where are the 20-year-olds making their way to the Irish senior team? Is this just a case of a different system of talent development, or is France ahead of Ireland? For all the talk of Ireland’s impressive U20 pipeline, is it producing enough to keep up with bigger nations? Gordon D’Arcy joins John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns to discuss. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Is Ireland’s production line of talent beginning to falter? 36:31

vor 10 weeks36:31

36:31

Last weekend, either side of Ireland’s Six Nations victory in Cardiff, other Irish sides struggled. The U20s were on the wrong side of the result in Newport, the first time they’ve lost to Wales at that level since 2018. Ireland A were also in action in a rare second team fixture, losing to England A in Bristol. Ireland’s development pathway receives regular praise for punching above its weight. However, was last weekend a reminder of the cyclical nature of talent identification, or are there deeper underlying issues? What to make of the coaching staffs of both junior sides? Did they make the correct decisions, tactically and in terms of selection? Despite the results, were there any players who furthered their cause, who enhanced their reputation in a bid to kickstart an international career? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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How Ireland escaped Cardiff unscathed 29:51

vor 10 weeks29:51

29:51

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to debrief the weekend’s Six Nations action. We discuss silly season in the media, how Sam Prendergast can improve tackle technique, the art of defending in the hardest positions and more. Also on the agenda is France’s impressive dismantling of Italy. Can Ireland take anything of comfort from that display? Were there clues as to how they can keep their grand slam bid alive when the French come to Dublin? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Bold and brave team selection from Ireland and Wales ahead of Six Nations clash 18:12

vor 11 weeks18:12

18:12

Ireland have shuffled the pack ahead of the trip to Cardiff to take on Wales this Saturday. Dan Sheehan captains in place of the injured Caelan Doris, while Jamie Osborne gets a run out at fullback. Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the team selection and what it means for the weekend. Are there any areas where Wales can challenge some of Ireland’s more inexperienced players? How will Ireland’s lineout fare? Is this simply a show of Irish strength in depth? Will there be any sort of new coach bounce for Wales under the closed Cardiff roof now Matt Sherratt has replaced Warren Gatland? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Who has been added to Ireland’s Six Nations squad and why? 31:53

vor 11 weeks31:53

31:53

After the first fallow weekend, the Six Nations kicks back into gear this week with Ireland travelling to Cardiff. However, across the first two rounds of the tournament, Ireland have ranked second bottom of all six teams for lineout success rate. This fits in with the narrative of the Irish coaches battling to fix a set-piece which hasn’t always fired. Devin Toner was Leinster and Ireland’s lineout guru during his playing days. He joins Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns to look back at how he became such an effective set-piece specialist. Who was the best lineout operator he worked with? Do Ireland’s current lineout aficionados have the knowledge required to form a quality set piece? How do Ireland still have success as the lineout numbers remain less than ideal? We also hear from John O’Sullivan on the weekend’s rugby news. All four provinces were in action with Leinster, Munster and Connacht winning - Ulster lost on the road to Benetton - while there is also some international news. A number of new players have been called into the Six Nations squad, while the Ireland A group to take on England in Bristol has also been revealed. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Will a new coach bounce for Wales cause Ireland problems? 31:20

vor 12 weeks31:20

31:20

This week brought the news that Warren Gatland is no longer head coach of Wales. Given their recent 14-match losing run, that Gatland could not continue will be no surprise to many, but the timing, coming midway through the Six Nations, has raised questions. Simon Thomas is a Welsh rugby journalist. He joins Nathan Johns to explain where it all went wrong for Gatland - who of course coached Ireland as well once upon a time. We pick through puzzling tactical decisions, the lack of talent coming through the Welsh pathway plus the future of professional rugby in the country. Is Gatland’s legacy with Wales tarnished? The country’s growing apathy towards their national team also comes up for discussion, with the runners and riders for Gatland’s replacement thrown in for good measure. One name, familiar to Irish fans, will be of particular interest. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Ireland’s Scottish win has all roads leading to France 38:41

vor 12 weeks38:41

38:41

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s comfortable victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. Are Ireland the most psychologically resilient side in the Six Nations? Will Scotland ever get over their Irish hoodoo? Might things have looked different if Finn Russell and Darcy Graham avoided injury? The panel explain how Ireland’s game plan dismantled Scotland’s dangerous attack, withstanding a handful of counter-punches to once again assert their superiority. With the Six Nations now heading into a rest week, Ireland’s impressive form under Simon Easterby is analysed, alongside their chances of securing a Grand Slam. Elsewhere, we pick through Wales’ ongoing decline after their defeat to Italy. France’s implosion in Twickenham is also up for discussion; have we finally seen Antoine Dupont show his human side? Finally, what of the Ireland U20s, who got their Six Nations campaign back on track with victory over Scotland? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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How do Ireland avoid a Scottish banana skin? 36:14

vor 13 weeks36:14

36:14

Ireland have not lost to Scotland since 2017, but it seems every year since then the Scots feel closer and closer to ending their hoodoo. Will this year finally be their time? Nigel Carolan is an Irishman on the inside of Scottish rugby. Originally from Galway, he coached Ireland U20s before becoming Glasgow Warriors’ attack coach. Working with the likes of Huw Jones, Stafford MacDowall and Sione Tuipulotu on a daily basis, he offers unrivalled insight into what makes this dangerous Scottish attack click. Alongside Irish Times sportswriter John O’Sullivan, Carolan analyses how Ireland might stop Scotland’s backline, as well as how the Irish attack, much improved against England, might break through the Scottish wall. Gerry Thornley joins us later in the podcast to react to the surprise Ireland team selection, with Peter O’Mahony named to start as he resumes his rivalry with Scottish teams. Fresh off Simon Easterby’s press conference, Thornley offers his analysis of why Ireland have picked the team they have. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Are Ireland Six Nations favourites? 46:29

vor 13 weeks46:29

46:29

After an impressive, comfortable victory over England, do Ireland rival France as favourites for this year’s Six Nations? As Gordon D’Arcy points out on today’s round-up episode, do we need to wait until next week to ascertain France’s true ability after their hammering of Wales on Friday night? Still, Ireland looked both better coached and more instinctive than an England side which caused problems in the first half. How did Simon Easterby and co rise to the challenge of working without Andy Farrell to prepare this Irish side? Did we expect them to be so rampant in that second half? How important were the contributions of James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and the returning Dan Sheehan? What does this mean for hopes of a record third title in a row? Produced by John Casey. Link: http://www.justgiving.com/team/grandtourcore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Can Ireland afford to lose to England? 40:51

vor 14 weeks40:51

40:51

The Six Nations is upon us. Momentum in this tournament is key and Ireland start with one of the harder fixtures with the visit of Steve Borthwick’s England side to Dublin. In round two, Ireland travel to Scotland while England host France. Given the difficult schedule, can either side afford to lose this weekend and if they want to hold realistic title ambitions? Will Greenwood and Gordon D’Arcy toured together on the 2005 Lions tour. We reunite the two former centres to pick through England specifically. Why has their backline not yet clicked with Marcus Smith at 10? Is Borthwick under pressure for his job? Despite their losing run, are England on the cusp of turning the corner and becoming a threat? Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley also joins us to pick through Ireland’s selection. Should we surprised that Sam Prendergast got the nod at 10? Are Ireland worried about the lineout? Can the scrum survive without Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Who will start at 10 for Ireland during the Six Nations? 26:34

vor 14 weeks26:34

26:34

It’s Six Nations week. Ireland get their campaign underway with a tricky assignment against England next weekend. Now under the leadership of Simon Easterby, Ireland are bidding to secure an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations title. Did the likes of James Lowe and Dan Sheehan do enough to prove their fitness for Leinster to be included? Who will start in the coveted outhalf jersey? Who should line out at centre? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to preview the week ahead. Gordon also offers insight into how to prepare for commentating on a Six Nations match ahead of his stint in the Aviva Stadium gantry, while he details why calf injuries - of the sort which have ruled Tadhg Furlong out of the England game - are so difficult to overcome. Produce by John Casey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Who will win the Leinster Schools Rugby Senior Cup? 34:49

vor 15 weeks34:49

34:49

It’s that time of year when Schools rugby, the single most important development tool in Ireland, kicks into gear with the Senior Cup in all four provinces. Des Berry is the authoritative voice when it comes to covering the Leinster Schools Senior Cup. He joins John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns to look at this year’s draw. Who are the young names we should look out for? Who have been the best schoolboy players down through the years? Are Blackrock College and St Michael’s once again the favourites this year, or can another school spring a surprise? We also look at competitions in Munster and Connacht which have already gotten underway, while we chat through the decision to play an Ulster Senior Cup tie as a curtain raiser to a senior provincial game. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

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Are Leinster and Toulouse destined for another European final? 39:01

vor 15 weeks39:01

39:01

Now we know the knockout draw for the Champions Cup, can anyone get in the way of another Leinster vs Toulouse showdown in the final? Can Noel McNamara and Bordeaux get in the way of Antoine Dupont and co on that side of the draw? Can Munster spring an upset in the first ever edition of the Ronan O’Gara derby? Would Ulster have preferred to go on a Challenge Cup run to facing Bordeaux once again? Is winning the Challenge Cup a realistic goal for Connacht? Gordon d’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss all this and more, including centres being thrown at the lineout, RG Snyman vs Dupont and the impact of the new laws on the game. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Ireland’s Six Nations squad, winners and losers 25:22

vor 16 weeks25:22

25:22

Ireland recently named their squad for the six nations. Widely seen as a continuity selection, there are still a number of talking points. What does Tom Ahern have to do to earn a call up? Are we finally starting to see the next generation of props? Who are the younger developmental players? Is this squad a good reflection on the Emerging Ireland programme? John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss all this and more, including Dan Sheehan’s apparent fast recovery from an ACL injury. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Leinster win in La Rochelle - grit or alarm bells? 49:48

vor 16 weeks49:48

49:48

Leinster have now beaten La Rochelle on three consecutive occasions. Is this a sign they have turned the corner against bigger French sides, or was it a smash-and-grab with worrying implications for the future? Gordon D’Arcy believes the bigger picture thinking should be placed to one side for now and that Leinster should be pleased to have come out of a difficult environment with the win. John O’Sullivan, on the other hand, points to a number of concerning trends in the Leinster performance which he thinks do not bode well for the future. Who is right in this debate? Only time will tell. On this edition of The Counter Ruck, the panel also discusses another European night in Thomond to remember for Munster, Connacht’s prospects of winning the Challenge Cup and Ulster’s implosion away to Leicester. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
‘I’ve been involved a lot in turnarounds’: Michael Cheika on his coaching philosophy and career to date 28:11

vor 17 weeks28:11

28:11

Michael Cheika was the head coach who guided Leinster to their first European crown in 2009. Now, coaching Leicester Tigers, he squares off against Irish opposition with Ulster travelling on Saturday night. Alongside Gordon D’Arcy, who Cheika coached, The Counter Ruck looks back on the Australian’s time in Dublin. How did he convince the top Leinster brass to take a punt on an unproven coach? Did the Leinster players need a good kick up the backside? Are there parallels between Leinster then and Leicester now? Why is Cheika seen as ’the turnaround man’, the coach to call when a side needs an upturn in fortunes? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Who are Ireland’s next young rugby stars? 28:40

vor 17 weeks28:40

28:40

No provincial men’s rugby took place this weekend but Ireland U20s did play their final warm-up match before their Six Nations campaign gets underway in a few weeks’ time. Playing against a Leinster Development XV in Donnybrook, we got a chance to see how Ireland are shaping up under new coach Neil Doak. Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan both attended Saturday’s game and run through the talking points. How does this crop compare to other years? Who are the young players to watch out for? Who will most likely go on to have strong professional careers? What to make of the latest young outhalf talent? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Should Irish rugby encourage more loan moves like Harry Byrne’s? 24:37

vor 18 weeks24:37

24:37

Harry Byrne recently caused a bit of a shock by moving from Leinster to Bristol on a short term loan. On paper, the move makes sense, given Byrne’s lack of game time in the 10 shirt. But why don’t we see more players taking short term punts with a view to returning home an improved player? Should game time not be the primary concern? Have players become too comfortable being squad players in their home environment? Will Byrne’s move open the floodgates as a model for staying affiliated to your home side while also earning game time, or is this a once off move which only works in these particular circumstances? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the transfer news and its implications for the wider Irish rugby system. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Is the gap widening between Leinster and the other provinces? 23:42

vor 18 weeks23:42

23:42

Munster defence coach Denis Leamy recently described Leinster as ‘brilliantly boring’ due to their current style of play. After watching the weekend’s festive interpro where Leo Cullen’s side secured a dominant 28-7 win, it’s hard to disagree. As South African World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber spends more and more time working with the province, a clear plan focusing on set-piece dominance, power up front and a strong kicking game is starting to emerge. But are Leinster now too brilliantly boring? The power game is good enough to beat injury-hit sides such as Munster, but can they also show the required flashes of creativity to beat better teams? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through Leinster’s current development, as well as the issues which prevent sides like Munster form keeping pace with their provincial rivals. We also chat through Ulster’s shock win over Connacht. Have they turned a corner, or did they simply come up with a one-off game plan which cannot be replicated in the coming weeks? Gordon also tells us about the difficulties of being a player over the Christmas period, while he compares the differing, but no less complex challenges of running through Munster defences to keeping children asleep for Santa. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Is Ireland's central contract system in need of radical change? 31:09

vor 19 weeks31:09

31:09

When news of Leinster's signing of All Black Jordie Barrett broke back in April of this year, opinion was split. Was it a fair reflection of the dominant province flexing their muscle, or an unfair benefit of the IRFU paying their best players via national contracts? This season, 10 Leinster players have their salaries paid by the governing body via central contracts, the other provinces combined have three. Is this a cycle of dominance, or a worrying portend of Leinster pulling ahead and destroying competitive balance in the provinces? Gordon D'Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss the issue, how we got here and what can be done about it. This episode was first published in April 2024. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Was 2024 a successful year for Irish rugby? 27:16

vor 19 weeks27:16

27:16

We may only be halfway through the rugby season, but the end of the calendar year presents an opportunity to reflect nonetheless. Ireland won a Six Nations, qualified for a women’s World Cup, competed at the Olympics, beat the Black Ferns and won three out of four in November, so was this a successful year? Does the country continue to punch above its weight, and have we become spoiled as rugby fans? Or are we at a stage now when more is needed, especially at provincial level in terms of silverware? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to look back on the year that was, while also pointing to what needs to improve for 2025 to bring more success to Irish rugby. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Irish women’s rugby: ‘there are loads of structural issues that are really difficult to address’ 31:44

vor 20 weeks31:44

31:44

The Ireland women’s team is riding on the crest of a wave after World Cup qualification and a victory over New Zealand in 2024. How does the game look below international level, how are things under the hood? There are a number of moving parts within the domestic structure, including the AIL, provinces and Celtic Challenge. The AIL, though, remains the entry point for many women into rugby. Joining Nathan Johns to review the women’s game in 2024 is Fiona Reidy, a former international and current director of rugby at AIL champions UL Bohemian, and John Cronin, a senior coach at Railway Union. As women’s rugby looks to expand and introduce more professionalism, what needs to happen at domestic level to ensure the current national success continues? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Is the Champions Cup on its last legs? 33:50

vor 20 weeks33:50

33:50

This weekend, Sharks head coach John Plumtree made headlines for outlining the unsustainable nature of South African sides trying to compete in European competition. Both the Sharks and the Stormers sent rotated teams north to the UK and both were well beaten. This comes as Bath sent a rotated squad to Treviso and lost, Munster left behind a few regulars to take on Castres and came up short while Ulster’s policy of resting some frontliners last week failed to pay off as they lost this time around to Bordeaux. Even some of the French teams lost their home matches, ones which they are in theory supposed to take more seriously. All of which begs the question, is the Champions Cup on its last legs? Why should TV companies pay for the rights and fans pay for tickets if the early stages of the tournament only matter to a handful of teams? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to talk through the ramifications, as well as this weekend’s provincial and club rugby action. Produced by John Casey. Clips: A charging deer takes out a player / A razzle dazzle chip and chase for St Marys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Irish lions - Rob Henderson 28:34

vor 21 weeks28:34

28:34

Rob Henderson played for Munster, Ireland and the Lions. He was Brian O’Driscoll’s centre partner both during his infamous Paris hat-trick and the 2001 Lions tour of Australia. In 2002, he played twice for Munster against Castres on the province’s ultimately unsuccessful run to the final of the Heineken Cup. He was part of the group which eventually broke the European duck in 2006. With Munster returning to Castres this weekend and another Lions tour down under approaching, Henderson joins Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan. From exorbitant room service bills to praise for The Counter Ruck’s very own Gordon D’Arcy, Henderson recounts the best bits of a storied career which led up to Irish rugby’s modern era of success. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Why can't Irish rugby produce players with genuine pace? 40:37

vor 21 weeks40:37

40:37

As this year’s European action kicked off with a mostly positive weekend for the provinces, one difference between Irish sides and those they squared off with became apparent: pace. For some time now, Ireland has not produced game-breaking wingers with top end speed. Why is this the case? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to pick through this issue which could become all the more pressing. One Irish wing did stand out from the weekend. Connacht’s Chay Mullins finally debuted after a lengthy stint playing Sevens. Could he be the answer? The panel also discuss how Europe no longer comes with the fanfare of years gone by, the quality of officiating from the weekend as well as the best of the provincial action. Produced by John Casey. Clips: A worldie from Shane Daly / Genius from Brian O’Driscoll / Lightning pace from Louis Bielle-Biarrey . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Leinster’s Champions Cup opener brings a meeting with a familiar face 21:28

vor 22 weeks21:28

21:28

When Leinster square off against the Bristol Bears, Pat Lam, once in charge of Connacht but now bedded in with the Premiership side, once again finds himself in the Irish rugby bubble. Lam was an immensely popular figure during his time with Connacht, guiding them to a stunning Pro12 victory back in 2016. Famous for his attack-heavy philosophy, Lam’s teams are always fun to watch, with the man himself saying those tuning in this weekend can expect to see a lot of similarities between Bristol and his Connacht side. In a wide-ranging interview on The Counter Ruck, Lam explains his rugby philosophy and why he thinks it will ultimately bring Bristol trophies, reminisces on his time with Connacht including the signing of Bundee Aki, while he also looks back on his friendship with Anthony Foley, the former Munster coach who tragically died back in 2016. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Counter Ruck

1
Where do Ireland go after the Autumn Nations Series? 41:54

vor 22 weeks41:54

41:54

After a narrow win over Australia wrapped up a mix bag of an Autumn Nations Series, The Counter Ruck pores through where Andy Farrell’s side finds itself heading into the new year. How can the attack return to its world leading status? Are Ireland evolving to stay in the pack? What is the latest in the current outhalf debate? Does Jack Crowley once again have the upper hand? What are Ireland actually doing differently, and are enough young players being blooded to ensure exciting times are ahead? All these questions and more are answered by Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns. We also look at the mental challenges of being involved in what promises to be a never-ending outhalf debate, while delving into the worrying financial picture currently facing the sport. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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