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Thorn in Ulster’s side
Can there be a professional rugby player who has achieved as much as Brad Thorn? Representing Australia 8 times in rugby league and then winning 59 All Black caps is a unique achievement in itself. Despite his achievements the 37 year old still has a voracious appetite for the game. While some team mates from the successful All Blacks team of last year went off the boil, recuperated from injury or just wallowed in the glory of the victory, the oldest man in the side was soon back at work within days, playing in Japan.
Sonny Bill Williams
At times it’s difficult to be sure what Sonny Bill Williams wants from his career. At only 26 he has already done a lot but it’s not clear where his heart is. As soon as one contract is signed speculation starts about what’s next. Rugby league, union and boxing have benefitted from his involvement and all want more from the SBW brand. Everyone seems to have a view about Sonny and what he offers but why are people reluctant to acknowledge his extraordinary talent?
Rugby's core values
Rugby people have always prided themselves in how the game is played and its supporters behave. The modern game is different from the amateur era and it is time to question whether the behavior of rugby crowds has deteriorated and if supporters realise or even care.
Lancaster's short lived honeymoon
Stuart Lancaster’s honeymoon at Twickenham was short lived. Following his appointment on March 29th he has shown his inexperience and naivety in failing to secure the services of both Andy Farrell and Wayne Smith. Once might have been unlucky, twice raises some serious questions.
Battle of the Coaches
In the strange world of European rugby two Irish coaches try to outwit each other in the first “Heineken Cup”http://www.therugbysite.com/blog_categories/5-heineken-cup semi, whilst two New Zealanders butt heads in the second semi.
Ireland needs Schmidt to come along for the trip
Irish rugby has been transformed in recent years and credit should go to the IRFU for the structures they have put in place which have made this possible. The top players have by and large been retained by the Irish provinces, and the successes of Munster and Leinster in winning four of the last six Heineken Cups reflects this. At national level Ireland has won Triple Crowns, a Grand Slam and provided the captain for the last two Lions tours. However, there is still a sense that this golden generation have underperformed on the international stage.
Heineken Cup
The business end of the Heineken Cup is upon us and as ever there are some mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to. It seems a life time since the final pool games were staged – in fact it’s 10 weeks. While this is a long hiatus, it may in fact add to the anticipation ahead of the weekend.
Does Ireland need a Kidney replacement?
Ireland’s World Cup loss to Wales and poor Six Nations must raise doubts about Declan Kidney’s abilties to build a top Ireland team on top of a strong provincial base.
Mallett's international experience merits England job over rookie Lancaster
Stuart Lancaster has restored respect and England’s commercial reputation, but they will need more than discipline if they are to win the 2015 World Cup.
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