The Counter Ruck

Are Scotland primed to finally beat Ireland?

A sensational weekend of Six Nations action leaves us anticipating a bumper Super Saturday to decide the title. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s win over Wales, Scotland’s thumping of France and Italy’s historic victory over England. Scotland, France and Ireland are all mathematically in the hunt for the title, while the winner of Ireland vs Scotland will take home the Triple Crown. Might this finally be the weekend where Scotland, fresh off their stunning win over France, get over their Ireland hoodoo?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland beat a dogged Wales side under the lights at the Aviva

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.

Have Ireland changed their selection policy ahead of the clash with Wales?

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.

Data in rugby and Ireland’s tactical revolution explained

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.

Ireland U20s - how does the talent pipeline actually look?

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.