Breaking Down How Joe Schmidt Has Changed Ireland Tactically

With the passing of the torch from Munster’s Declan Kidney to Leinster’s Joe Schmidt, Ireland’s course, in many eyes, was set to change. A shift from the Munster, forward-dominated game plan to a more free-flowing approach founded on Schmidt’s highly successful Leinster backline seemed a fait accompli. But the crafty New Zealand-born coach is proving more than just a one-trick... 

Six Nations 2014: 4 Things Ireland Must Do to Keep Grand Slam Challenge on Track

Ireland have enjoyed their best start to a Six Nations since winning the Grand Slam in 2009. Back-to-back wins hint at a consistency that has eluded them over the last decade of Six Nations tournaments and cost them at least two more titles. If they are to add this year’s trophy to their cabinet, they will do it the hard way with away fixtures to England and France, the latter providing a potential... 

6 Nations 2014 Rugby: Complete Power Rankings Following Round 2

Ireland sit on top of the pile as we head into the first break of the Six Nations. The Irish have completed two-thirds of the Triple Crown with England next up at Twickenham in what is shaping up to be a pivotal clash in determining the title. Ireland and France are the only two sides with 100 per cent records, and they remain on course to decide the Grand Slam on the last weekend in Paris if they... 

France vs. Italy: 5 Lessons Learned from 6 Nations Clash

The wait goes on for Italy’s first win in France in the Six Nations. The Azzurri were never ahead in Sunday’s contest and ended up losing 30-10, but somehow they will feel the result is harsh on them. France blew hot and cold once again, with the key difference between them and their visitors being that they were able to convert their try-scoring chances when they cropped up. Here’s... 

France vs. Italy: 5 Key Battles That Will Shape 6 Nations Clash

France got into their 700th Test match hoping to wipe out the memory of one of their most surprising defeats in those 700. Italy turned Philippe Saint-Andre over in Rome last year in a miserable championship for Les Bleus. Now France have a chance to put themselves in the box seat of this year’s 6 Nations with a win at home over the Azzurri on Sunday. Italy’s pack struggled up front... 

Scotland vs. England: 6 Players with a Point to Prove in Six Nations Clash

Before the championship started, I boldly predicted Scotland would beat England at Murrayfield. Based on both sides’ performances in Round 1 of the Six Nations, that now seems unlikely. England were very good, if not brilliant, in Paris, and were unfortunate not to have killed France off. Scotland, on the other hand, were abject. So both sides will take the turf at Murrayfield with question... 

Ireland vs. Wales: 5 Key Battles That Will Shape Six Nations Clash

There are storylines everywhere you look in Dublin this weekend. Warren Gatland can expect an interesting reception from the crowd at the Aviva Stadium after his decision to drop Brian O’Driscoll from the last test of the Lions series, but that’s not the only Lions-related issue on the agenda. There are players coming face to face all over the field, from whom the Lions coach had to choose... 

Six Nations 2014: Power Rankings Following First Weekend of Rugby Tournament

From pain in Paris to a demolition in Dublin; the first weekend of the Six Nations threw up plenty of talking points. Wales edged past Italy without impressing while England will wonder how they contrived to lose a game in the French capital they largely dominated. In Dublin, Ireland took a half to find their feet before taking Scotland to the cleaners. Round 2 is set up beautifully as Wales head to... 

Ireland 28-6 Scotland: Lessons Learned from Six Nations Clash

Ireland shrugged off a scrappy first half to dispatch Scotland comfortably in their Six Nations opener. Joe Schmidt’s side have a tough test next week with the visit of Wales to Dublin, but they will be better for this hit out against a Scotland team who offered little by way of a genuine threat. The Scots face England next week, and it looks like it will be a hard slog for Scott Johnson’s... 

Ireland vs. Scotland: 5 Key Battles That Will Shape Six Nations Clash

Ireland will be looking for the same sort of Six Nations opening day performance that saw them win in Cardiff last year. What they will not want to replicate is the miserable remainder of the tournament that followed. It included a defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium, which they will be looking to avenge on Sunday. Joe Schmidt has rewarded a number of Ulstermen for their form so far this season,... 

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