The Counter Ruck

This was a much-changed Ireland side from the one who performed heroics at Twickenham against England two weeks ago. And there was much to admire given their blistering start, but question marks too.

And have Wales finally turned a corner after so long in the doldrums? They played like a rejuvenated team, organised and tenacious, and offering a real threat going forward at times.

Ireland could only breathe easy with 77 minutes on the clock when Jack Crowley made it a ten-point game.

Host Nathan Johns is joined by Irish Times Rugby Correspondent Gerry Thornley.

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Farrell has made five changes to the starting XV ahead of Friday’s clash with Wales.

Unusual, perhaps, to mix up a winning formula after a stunning day out at Twickenham.

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through what it all means.

Have Ireland embraced more rotation in a slightly tweaked selection policy? What to expect of Wales, a banana skin or as downtrodden as ever?

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Larner has, quite literally, written the book on data in rugby.

In his recent publication, Attacking the Space: Inside rugby’s data and tactics revolution, Larner attempts to explain why the game looks the way it does in a manner accessible to the Irish fan.

He joins Nathan Johns to explain why data shapes Ireland’s recent tactical evolution towards a kicking game, why putting boot to ball isn’t an inherently ugly thing, why Leinster changed their props so early in the game and how Munster have lost ’the best attack coach in the world.'

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone loved a crisis talk after Ireland U20s and Ireland XV lost on the same weekend the senior side struggled in Paris.

Since then, though, the U20s have won back-to-back games, including an impressive display against England.

After last year’s wooden spoon, has the age grade side turned a corner? Is talk of a misfiring talent pipeline misguided?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to put us all straight.

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many of you saw that coming? A record Irish victory in Twickenham was some way for Andy Farrell and co to change the narrative surrounding this side after a middling start to this year’s Six Nations campaign.

Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns were all in London on Saturday and they link up once again to pick through how Ireland pulled off that performance.

Plus, we look at how Ireland U20s managed a similarly impressive victory over their English counterparts in Bath on Friday night.

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.