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April 21, 2017

A TRUE MUNSTER FAN

Is the negative aspect of the provincial rivalry making a return after a number of relatively quiet years? And are we happy for it to do so?

February 11, 2017

BUSGATE MEDIA FOCUS MISSES POINT

After the slow start in Murrayfield Joe Schmidt has referenced the shortened warm up a number of times. Most of the press have felt that meant blaming the late arrival for the slow start, but is that really what Joe was doing?

November 17, 2016

IRELAND VS NEW ZEALAND: THE RETURN

After an historic win in Chicago 2 weeks ago Ireland will be looking to make it 2 from 2 against New Zealand, while the men from the long white cloud will be looking to prove they are a better side than they showed in Soldier Field. With both squads announced where do we think Ireland can prosper?

September 22, 2016

EDINBURGH VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Leinster turned around a 0-5 defeat against Glasgow with a 5-0 defeat of Edinburgh in Murrayfield on Friday, but again allowed the opposition back in during the second half. So what is it that is happening to Leinster after the break these days?

September 15, 2016

GLASGOW VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Leinster came away with nothing from Scotstoun after securing a 10 point lead early in the second half. But there were still plenty of positives to take from the game, including the rise of a number of young players into the side.

September 2, 2016

THE SEASON AHEAD

Leinster finished their pre-season fixtures with 2 wins and a loss. After what was a fairly mixed season in 2015/16 how are they fixed ahead of this new season?

August 14, 2016

LEINSTER VS ULSTER REVIEW

Leinster kicked off their first pre-season game of the 2016-17 season in Navan against Ulster. The scoreline was a comfortable 31-14 for the home side, but was it a comfortable 80 mins?

August 25, 2016

THE FUTURE OF THE PRO12

Can a radical restructure of the Pro12 have it compete with the Aviva Premiership and the Top14? We have some suggestions on how it might with 3 unique areas; The Pro12 Championship, The Pro12 Derbies and the Pro12 International Series.

February 17, 2016

LEINSTER VS ZEBRE REVIEW

After ending their winning streak in the league away to Dragons at the end of January Leinster needed to get back to winning ways to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. A 52-0 win was just what they needed, wasn't it?

February 13, 2016

IRELAND VS WALES REVIEW

Ireland began their 2016 6 Nations campaign with a draw at home to Wales. While they didn't win, did they do enough to suggest that perhaps they could do what no other team has ever done before; win 3 Championships in a row?

December 2, 2015

LEINSTER VS ULSTER REVIEW

Having struggled in the European games in the previous 2 weeks Leinster were in need of a win in the RDS against Ulster. There has been a lot of negative attention on the Boys in Blue, but Ulster haven't been faring much better themselves.

September 16, 2015

LEINSTER VS CARDIFF REVIEW

After a very disappointing performance against Edinburgh in Week 1 Leinster welcomed back the legend that is Isa Nacewa in fantastic sunshine and got the win. But was it enough to banish the demons from the previous week?

September 6, 2015

IRELANDS RWC WARM UP REVIEW

So Ireland's squad for the RWC has been announced and the warm-ups are over. With 2 wins and 2 losses there has been a lot said about where Ireland are, but what may lay ahead for the fans of a team who are overly familiar with World Cup disappointment?

August 28, 2015

IRELANDS RWC 31 MAN SQUAD

With only a few days to go until Ireland must announce their 31 man squad for the Rugby World Cup we thought we'd throw our 2 cents in on who we think will go. You know, just to be different. So how innovative and experimental are we?

August 19, 2015

THE CURIOUS CASE OF LEO IN THE TOP JOB

It has been confirmed that Leo Cullen will take the reigns at Leinster for the next 2 years. Like the new jersey it has been a poorly kept secret and pretty late being made official. Is this a case of "jobs for the boys", a panic decision or the best Leinster can do right now?

March 27, 2015

POOR PERFORMANCES & BIG CALLS: PART 3

After a very poor run of form, performances and results the pressure is on for Leinster and every game is a must-win. With Matt O’Connor bemoaning the lack of available internationals where does that leave The Boys In Blue? And is there merit in the complaints regarding the Player Welfare Programme.

February 26, 2015

LEINSTER VS ZEBRE REVIEW

After an incredibly disappointing loss at home to the Dragons Leinster needed to set things right against Zebre in the RDS on Friday. With 5 match points chalked up thanks to the try bonus point, are we all happy and are things all rosy in Dublin 4 again?

February 13, 2015

ITALY VS IRELAND REVIEW

Ireland's 6 Nations Championship defence started with a win over Italy in Rome by 3-26, but there's been a lot of talk about Ireland's lack of penetration and inaccuracies since the final whistle. is it fair to label the performance a disappointing one?

February 18, 2015

LEINSTER VS DRAGONS REVIEW

Leinster lost their first game in the RDS since March 2013 to Newport Gwent Dragons in what was a frustrating display from nearly everybody but the Dragons. Squad disruptions, injuries, poor officiating, no TMO and player error all played their part in a bitterly disappointing defeat.

December 22, 2014

POOR PERFORMANCES & BIG CALLS: PART 2

After the recent wins over Quins and Connacht we've decided it's time to look at how Leinster play. Is it bosh rugby as some suggest? Is there no discernible game plan? Or is there something to work with after all.

December 5, 2014

PIENAAR & TOUHY BACK FOR ULSTER

The Ulster team for the Champions Cup against Scarlets has been announced. The injured duo of Ruan Pienaar and Dan Tuohy have both recovered and are named in the starting line up.

November 6, 2014

2014 AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW

We're just 3 days away from the start of Ireland's 2014 Autumn International Series when Ireland will take on South Africa, Georgia and Australia. How are Ireland fixed to compete against 2 of the worlds best sides?

October 25, 2014

ULSTER V TOULON PREVIEW

Following last weeks bonus point defeat at the hands of Leicester in Welford Rd Ulster will be looking to kick start their Champions Cup challenge today with a win over champions Toulon at Kingspan Stadium. A win today is a must for the Ulstermen.

October 25, 2014

LEINSTER VS WASPS REVIEW

The old cliché in European rugby is that you must win your home games. Leinster started their European season at home to Wasps on a run of inconsistent form and with plenty of injuries. Wasps are a good side at the moment so the win was a good one overall, but just how good?

October 19, 2014

ULSTER VS LEICESTER PREVIEW

Ulster's visit to Welford Road will bring back fond memories of their last visit there back in Jan of this year when they defeated a fancied Tigers side by 22 - 19 with Ruan Pienaar scoring all Ulster's points in a man of the match performance.

October 17, 2014

POOR PERFORMANCES & BIG CALLS: PART 1

After a poor start to the season questions are being raised about the position of head coach Matt O'Connor. Is it too early to start calling for his head or not? In part 1 of this series we examine the story of the last 14 months with articles on tactics and a look to the future to follow.

October 3, 2014

ULSTER V EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Ulster paid the price last week-end for travelling to Italy with an understrength team with a shock defeat to Zebre. Although they secured a losing bonus point they will be hurting from that defeat and will look to vastly improve in their game against Edinburgh this evening.

October 2, 2014

LEINSTER VS CARDIFF REVIEW

Cardiff haven't exactly become known for convincing displays in Dublin in the last few years but they came to play this time. Yet still Leinster came away with the bonus point win. So was it all rosy in Ballsbridge as a result?

September 25, 2014

CONNACHT VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Galway has never been an easy place for Leinster teams to go, but with so many internationals in the squad and a heavy defeat 2 years ago this was a game they were expected to win.

September 19, 2014

A NEW BEGINNING OR SAME OLD?

2 rounds down, 20 to go. It's still very early into the new season and it's far too early to be jumping the gun. That hasn't stopped some from making fairly grand claims already though. Have we really seen any changes yet or is it just more of the same from last year?

September 18, 2014

LEINSTER VS SCARLETS REVIEW

Well we asked for an improvement. I'm sure a 6 try drubbing of Scarlets counts. It was as encouraging a performance as we could have gotten after the opening weekend, especially missing a good few internationals.

September 7, 2014

GLASGOW VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Leinster kicked off the new season with a loss to Glasgow. Read our review of the game on a weekend of mixed results for the provinces.

June 29, 2014

SQUAD UPDATE

One season down for Joe Schmidt and Ireland have won the 6 Nations and a tour in Argentina for the first time ever. There's one full season before the World Cup with the "easy" year of the 6 Nations in between. How does the Irish squad look to be building towards both?

May 25, 2014

LEINSTER A WIN THE B&I CUP

Congratulations to Girvan Dempsey and the Leinster A side who are the first team to have won back-to-back British & Irish Cups after beating Leeds Carnegie 44-17 in Donnybrook. Check out the highlights here.

April 7, 2014

6 NATIONS VERDICT

Joe Schmidt has continued his habit of winning at least 1 trophy per season and we've sent the "Magic Man" off in a more fitting manner than many of us may have thought possible at the start of the season. So how does the 2015 6 Nations campaign look in retrospect?

February 15, 2014

IRELAND VS WALES REVIEW

Another week and another home win. So where does this leave Ireland ahead of the game in Twickenham?

February 7, 2014

IRELAND VS SCOTLAND REVIEW

Ireland have started their Six Nations campaign off with a win over Scotland and sit top of the table. With a poor game between Wales and Italy followed by a frantic and entertaining battle between France and England, how did Joe Schmidt’s men fair overall?

January 29, 2014

IRISH SQUAD ANNOUNCED

On Monday afternoon Joe Schmidt announced a reduced 34-man squad for the first 2 games of this years 6 Nations tournament. For the most part it was a fairly straight forward affair with only a couple of calls surprising people. Yet still there are calls of bias. Why?

January 17, 2014

EXTENDED IRISH SQUAD ANNOUNCED

On Tuesday Joe Schmidt announced a 44 man squad ahead of the Wolfhounds game and the 6 Nations. Cynics say he has selected nearly every fit and available senior player which tells us nothing, but is it that he's taking the opportunity to get a look at everyone and get them all on the same page?

February 11, 2017

BUSGATE MEDIA FOCUS MISSES POINT

After the slow start in Murrayfield Joe Schmidt has referenced the shortened warm up a number of times. Most of the press have felt that meant blaming the late arrival for the slow start, but is that really what Joe was doing?

November 17, 2016

IRELAND VS NEW ZEALAND: THE RETURN

After an historic win in Chicago 2 weeks ago Ireland will be looking to make it 2 from 2 against New Zealand, while the men from the long white cloud will be looking to prove they are a better side than they showed in Soldier Field. With both squads announced where do we think Ireland can prosper?

February 13, 2016

IRELAND VS WALES REVIEW

Ireland began their 2016 6 Nations campaign with a draw at home to Wales. While they didn't win, did they do enough to suggest that perhaps they could do what no other team has ever done before; win 3 Championships in a row?

September 6, 2015

IRELANDS RWC WARM UP REVIEW

So Ireland's squad for the RWC has been announced and the warm-ups are over. With 2 wins and 2 losses there has been a lot said about where Ireland are, but what may lay ahead for the fans of a team who are overly familiar with World Cup disappointment?

August 28, 2015

IRELANDS RWC 31 MAN SQUAD

With only a few days to go until Ireland must announce their 31 man squad for the Rugby World Cup we thought we'd throw our 2 cents in on who we think will go. You know, just to be different. So how innovative and experimental are we?

February 13, 2015

ITALY VS IRELAND REVIEW

Ireland's 6 Nations Championship defence started with a win over Italy in Rome by 3-26, but there's been a lot of talk about Ireland's lack of penetration and inaccuracies since the final whistle. is it fair to label the performance a disappointing one?

November 6, 2014

2014 AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW

We're just 3 days away from the start of Ireland's 2014 Autumn International Series when Ireland will take on South Africa, Georgia and Australia. How are Ireland fixed to compete against 2 of the worlds best sides?

June 29, 2014

SQUAD UPDATE

One season down for Joe Schmidt and Ireland have won the 6 Nations and a tour in Argentina for the first time ever. There's one full season before the World Cup with the "easy" year of the 6 Nations in between. How does the Irish squad look to be building towards both?

April 7, 2014

6 NATIONS VERDICT

Joe Schmidt has continued his habit of winning at least 1 trophy per season and we've sent the "Magic Man" off in a more fitting manner than many of us may have thought possible at the start of the season. So how does the 2015 6 Nations campaign look in retrospect?

February 15, 2014

IRELAND VS WALES REVIEW

Another week and another home win. So where does this leave Ireland ahead of the game in Twickenham?

February 7, 2014

IRELAND VS SCOTLAND REVIEW

Ireland have started their Six Nations campaign off with a win over Scotland and sit top of the table. With a poor game between Wales and Italy followed by a frantic and entertaining battle between France and England, how did Joe Schmidt’s men fair overall?

January 29, 2014

IRISH SQUAD ANNOUNCED

On Monday afternoon Joe Schmidt announced a reduced 34-man squad for the first 2 games of this years 6 Nations tournament. For the most part it was a fairly straight forward affair with only a couple of calls surprising people. Yet still there are calls of bias. Why?

January 17, 2014

EXTENDED IRISH SQUAD ANNOUNCED

On Tuesday Joe Schmidt announced a 44 man squad ahead of the Wolfhounds game and the 6 Nations. Cynics say he has selected nearly every fit and available senior player which tells us nothing, but is it that he's taking the opportunity to get a look at everyone and get them all on the same page?

April 21, 2017

A TRUE MUNSTER FAN

Is the negative aspect of the provincial rivalry making a return after a number of relatively quiet years? And are we happy for it to do so?

September 22, 2016

EDINBURGH VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Leinster turned around a 0-5 defeat against Glasgow with a 5-0 defeat of Edinburgh in Murrayfield on Friday, but again allowed the opposition back in during the second half. So what is it that is happening to Leinster after the break these days?

September 15, 2016

GLASGOW VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Leinster came away with nothing from Scotstoun after securing a 10 point lead early in the second half. But there were still plenty of positives to take from the game, including the rise of a number of young players into the side.

September 2, 2016

THE SEASON AHEAD

Leinster finished their pre-season fixtures with 2 wins and a loss. After what was a fairly mixed season in 2015/16 how are they fixed ahead of this new season?

August 14, 2016

LEINSTER VS ULSTER REVIEW

Leinster kicked off their first pre-season game of the 2016-17 season in Navan against Ulster. The scoreline was a comfortable 31-14 for the home side, but was it a comfortable 80 mins?

August 25, 2016

THE FUTURE OF THE PRO12

Can a radical restructure of the Pro12 have it compete with the Aviva Premiership and the Top14? We have some suggestions on how it might with 3 unique areas; The Pro12 Championship, The Pro12 Derbies and the Pro12 International Series.

February 17, 2016

LEINSTER VS ZEBRE REVIEW

After ending their winning streak in the league away to Dragons at the end of January Leinster needed to get back to winning ways to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. A 52-0 win was just what they needed, wasn't it?

December 2, 2015

LEINSTER VS ULSTER REVIEW

Having struggled in the European games in the previous 2 weeks Leinster were in need of a win in the RDS against Ulster. There has been a lot of negative attention on the Boys in Blue, but Ulster haven't been faring much better themselves.

September 16, 2015

LEINSTER VS CARDIFF REVIEW

After a very disappointing performance against Edinburgh in Week 1 Leinster welcomed back the legend that is Isa Nacewa in fantastic sunshine and got the win. But was it enough to banish the demons from the previous week?

August 19, 2015

THE CURIOUS CASE OF LEO IN THE TOP JOB

It has been confirmed that Leo Cullen will take the reigns at Leinster for the next 2 years. Like the new jersey it has been a poorly kept secret and pretty late being made official. Is this a case of "jobs for the boys", a panic decision or the best Leinster can do right now?

March 27, 2015

POOR PERFORMANCES & BIG CALLS: PART 3

After a very poor run of form, performances and results the pressure is on for Leinster and every game is a must-win. With Matt O’Connor bemoaning the lack of available internationals where does that leave The Boys In Blue? And is there merit in the complaints regarding the Player Welfare Programme.

February 26, 2015

LEINSTER VS ZEBRE REVIEW

After an incredibly disappointing loss at home to the Dragons Leinster needed to set things right against Zebre in the RDS on Friday. With 5 match points chalked up thanks to the try bonus point, are we all happy and are things all rosy in Dublin 4 again?

February 18, 2015

LEINSTER VS DRAGONS REVIEW

Leinster lost their first game in the RDS since March 2013 to Newport Gwent Dragons in what was a frustrating display from nearly everybody but the Dragons. Squad disruptions, injuries, poor officiating, no TMO and player error all played their part in a bitterly disappointing defeat.

December 22, 2014

POOR PERFORMANCES & BIG CALLS: PART 2

After the recent wins over Quins and Connacht we've decided it's time to look at how Leinster play. Is it bosh rugby as some suggest? Is there no discernible game plan? Or is there something to work with after all.

October 25, 2014

LEINSTER VS WASPS REVIEW

The old cliché in European rugby is that you must win your home games. Leinster started their European season at home to Wasps on a run of inconsistent form and with plenty of injuries. Wasps are a good side at the moment so the win was a good one overall, but just how good?

October 17, 2014

POOR PERFORMANCES & BIG CALLS: PART 1

After a poor start to the season questions are being raised about the position of head coach Matt O'Connor. Is it too early to start calling for his head or not? In part 1 of this series we examine the story of the last 14 months with articles on tactics and a look to the future to follow.

October 2, 2014

LEINSTER VS CARDIFF REVIEW

Cardiff haven't exactly become known for convincing displays in Dublin in the last few years but they came to play this time. Yet still Leinster came away with the bonus point win. So was it all rosy in Ballsbridge as a result?

September 25, 2014

CONNACHT VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Galway has never been an easy place for Leinster teams to go, but with so many internationals in the squad and a heavy defeat 2 years ago this was a game they were expected to win.

September 19, 2014

A NEW BEGINNING OR SAME OLD?

2 rounds down, 20 to go. It's still very early into the new season and it's far too early to be jumping the gun. That hasn't stopped some from making fairly grand claims already though. Have we really seen any changes yet or is it just more of the same from last year?

September 18, 2014

LEINSTER VS SCARLETS REVIEW

Well we asked for an improvement. I'm sure a 6 try drubbing of Scarlets counts. It was as encouraging a performance as we could have gotten after the opening weekend, especially missing a good few internationals.

September 7, 2014

GLASGOW VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Leinster kicked off the new season with a loss to Glasgow. Read our review of the game on a weekend of mixed results for the provinces.

May 25, 2014

LEINSTER A WIN THE B&I CUP

Congratulations to Girvan Dempsey and the Leinster A side who are the first team to have won back-to-back British & Irish Cups after beating Leeds Carnegie 44-17 in Donnybrook. Check out the highlights here.

April 21, 2017

A TRUE MUNSTER FAN

Is the negative aspect of the provincial rivalry making a return after a number of relatively quiet years? And are we happy for it to do so?

August 25, 2016

THE FUTURE OF THE PRO12

Can a radical restructure of the Pro12 have it compete with the Aviva Premiership and the Top14? We have some suggestions on how it might with 3 unique areas; The Pro12 Championship, The Pro12 Derbies and the Pro12 International Series.

September 19, 2014

A NEW BEGINNING OR SAME OLD?

2 rounds down, 20 to go. It's still very early into the new season and it's far too early to be jumping the gun. That hasn't stopped some from making fairly grand claims already though. Have we really seen any changes yet or is it just more of the same from last year?

April 21, 2017

A TRUE MUNSTER FAN

Is the negative aspect of the provincial rivalry making a return after a number of relatively quiet years? And are we happy for it to do so?

August 14, 2016

LEINSTER VS ULSTER REVIEW

Leinster kicked off their first pre-season game of the 2016-17 season in Navan against Ulster. The scoreline was a comfortable 31-14 for the home side, but was it a comfortable 80 mins?

August 25, 2016

THE FUTURE OF THE PRO12

Can a radical restructure of the Pro12 have it compete with the Aviva Premiership and the Top14? We have some suggestions on how it might with 3 unique areas; The Pro12 Championship, The Pro12 Derbies and the Pro12 International Series.

December 2, 2015

LEINSTER VS ULSTER REVIEW

Having struggled in the European games in the previous 2 weeks Leinster were in need of a win in the RDS against Ulster. There has been a lot of negative attention on the Boys in Blue, but Ulster haven't been faring much better themselves.

December 5, 2014

PIENAAR & TOUHY BACK FOR ULSTER

The Ulster team for the Champions Cup against Scarlets has been announced. The injured duo of Ruan Pienaar and Dan Tuohy have both recovered and are named in the starting line up.

October 25, 2014

ULSTER V TOULON PREVIEW

Following last weeks bonus point defeat at the hands of Leicester in Welford Rd Ulster will be looking to kick start their Champions Cup challenge today with a win over champions Toulon at Kingspan Stadium. A win today is a must for the Ulstermen.

October 19, 2014

ULSTER VS LEICESTER PREVIEW

Ulster's visit to Welford Road will bring back fond memories of their last visit there back in Jan of this year when they defeated a fancied Tigers side by 22 - 19 with Ruan Pienaar scoring all Ulster's points in a man of the match performance.

October 3, 2014

ULSTER V EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Ulster paid the price last week-end for travelling to Italy with an understrength team with a shock defeat to Zebre. Although they secured a losing bonus point they will be hurting from that defeat and will look to vastly improve in their game against Edinburgh this evening.

September 19, 2014

A NEW BEGINNING OR SAME OLD?

2 rounds down, 20 to go. It's still very early into the new season and it's far too early to be jumping the gun. That hasn't stopped some from making fairly grand claims already though. Have we really seen any changes yet or is it just more of the same from last year?

April 21, 2017

A TRUE MUNSTER FAN

Is the negative aspect of the provincial rivalry making a return after a number of relatively quiet years? And are we happy for it to do so?

August 25, 2016

THE FUTURE OF THE PRO12

Can a radical restructure of the Pro12 have it compete with the Aviva Premiership and the Top14? We have some suggestions on how it might with 3 unique areas; The Pro12 Championship, The Pro12 Derbies and the Pro12 International Series.

September 25, 2014

CONNACHT VS LEINSTER REVIEW

Galway has never been an easy place for Leinster teams to go, but with so many internationals in the squad and a heavy defeat 2 years ago this was a game they were expected to win.

September 19, 2014

A NEW BEGINNING OR SAME OLD?

2 rounds down, 20 to go. It's still very early into the new season and it's far too early to be jumping the gun. That hasn't stopped some from making fairly grand claims already though. Have we really seen any changes yet or is it just more of the same from last year?

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