https://dementedmole.com/2021/06/28/dont-cry-in-front-of-the-mexicans-ulsters-2020-21-season-and-how-they-must-keep-twirling-twirling-twirling-towards-freedom-in-2021-22/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/billyburns_ulster.jpgBillyBurns_Ulster2021-07-07T15:26:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2021/04/09/leinster-a-tale-of-two-units/2023-06-09T09:03:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2020/06/26/connacht-locks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gavin-thornbury_connacht.jpgGavin Thornbury_Connachthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ultan-dillane_quinn-roux-connacht.jpgUltan Dillane_Quinn Roux-Connachthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cillian-gallagher_connacht.jpgCillian Gallagher_Connachthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/john-madigan_massy-2018.pngJohn Madigan_Massy 2018https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/niall-murray_crop_connacht.pngNiall Murray_Crop_Connachthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/leo-cullen-2001_inpho_andrew-paton.jpgLeo Cullen 2001_INPHO_Andrew Patonhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/connacht-locks_tier-3-4.pngConnacht Locks_Tier 3 & 4https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/connacht-locks_tier-2.pngConnacht Locks_Tier 2https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/connacht-locks_tier-1.pngConnacht Locks_Tier 12020-06-26T16:01:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2020/05/01/janus-1920-the-second-row/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/dev-toner_weights_dan-sheridan_inpho.jpgDev Toner_Weights_Dan Sheridan_INPHOhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/robbie-henshaw_no15.jpgRobbie Henshaw_No15https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/devin-toner_2019.jpgDevin Toner_2019https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ultan-dillane_connacht-2017-18_munster.pngUltan Dillane_Connacht 2017-18_Munsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mike-ross-tweet-re-willemse.pngMike Ross tweet re Willemsehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quinn-roux-comparison.jpgQuinn-Roux Comparisonhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ultan-dillane_france.jpgUltan Dillane_Francehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quinn-roux_england.jpgQuinn Roux_Englandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/janus-19-20_lock.pngJanus 19-20_Lockhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/jean-kleyn_brendan-moran_sportsfile.jpgJean Kleyn_Brendan Moran_Sportsfile2024-04-21T14:53:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2020/04/24/janus-1920-the-front-row/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/marty-moore_2015.jpgMarty Moore_2015https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/daveheffernan_ireland_usa-scaled-1.jpgDave Heffernan and AJ MacGinty 10/6/20172017 Summer Tour, Red Bull Arena, New Jersey, USA 10/6/2017 USA vs Ireland Ireland's Dave Heffernan and AJ MacGinty of USA Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrnehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/jack-mcgrath_2019.pngJack McGrath_2019https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rob-herring_australia.jpgRob Herring_Australiahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ronan-kelleher_ireland.jpgRonan Kelleher_Irelandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/finlay-bealham_new-zealand.jpgFinlay Bealham_New Zealandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/janus-19-20_tighthead.pngJanus 19-20_Tightheadhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/janus_19-20-hookers.pngJanus_19-20 Hookershttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/janus_19-20-front-rows.pngJanus_19-20 Front Rowshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tom-otoole_banbridge.jpgTom O'Toole_Banbridge2020-04-27T18:58:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2020/01/16/leinsters-league/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/stuart-lancaster_leo-cullen.jpgStuart Lancaster_Leo Cullenhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/benetton-treviso_rds-draw.jpgBenetton Treviso_RDS Drawhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leinster-pro14-champions-201819.jpgLeinster Pro14 Champions 201819https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bill-belichick-.jpgBill Belichickhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/conorobrien_leinster-vs-ulster.jpgConorO'Brien_Leinster vs Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/noel-reid_leinster.jpgNoel Reid_Leinsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ciaran-potts_photo-credit_sportsfile-brian-lawless.jpgCiaran Potts_Photo Credit_Sportsfile-Brian Lawlesshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/leinster-schedule-2018-19_5-windows.pngLeinster Schedule 2018-19_5 Windowshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/favourite_ollie_le_roux_pic_leinster.jpgFavourite_Ollie_Le_Roux_Pic_Leinsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cullen_jennings_leicester.pngCullen_Jennings_Leicester2020-02-16T22:15:17+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2019/07/29/selecting-irelands-rwc-squad/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/des-article_table.pngDes Article_Tablehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/squadcomposition-1.pngSquadCompositionhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/squadcomposition.pngSquadCompositionhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/milner-skudder.jpgmilner-skudderhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/yokohama.jpgYokohama2019-09-03T16:39:47+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2019/02/09/the-two-faces-of-french-rugby/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/lescaboura_england.pngLescaboura_Englandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/michel-palmic3a9_france.jpgMichel Palmié_Francehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/noves_villepreux_skrela.jpgNoves_Villepreux_Skrelahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/elie-cester-esteve-spanghero.jpgElie Cester, Esteve & Spangherohttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/gallion-paparemborde-paco-cholley_france.jpgGallion, Paparemborde, Paco, Cholley_Francehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/walter-spanghero_sepia.jpgWalter Spanghero_Sepiahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/benoit-dauga_bandage.pngBenoit Dauga_Bandagehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/mesnel_racing.pngMesnel_Racinghttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/jean-baptiste-lafond_france.jpgJean Baptiste Lafond_Francehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/richard-dourthe_on-tapait-contre-un-mur.jpgDivers - Archive archives - RugbyRichard Dourthe - France - Rugby - Archive Archives - largeur attitude2021-05-05T10:03:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2018/12/29/maintaining-a-lean-squad/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Munster-Squad.jpgMunster Squadhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Munster_Injury.jpgMunster_Injuryhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Jaco-Taute_Munster.jpgJaco Taute_Munsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Jack_oDonoghue_Munster.jpgJack_oDonoghue_Munsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Rory-Scannell_Munster.jpgRory Scannell_Munsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Rob-Kearney_Leinster-2005.jpgRob Kearney_Leinster 2005https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IRFU-2017-18-Report_P63.pngIRFU 2017-18 Report_P63https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IRFU-2017-18-Report_p64.pngIRFU 2017-18 Report_p64https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kilcoyne_Ryan_Munster.jpgKilcoyne_Ryan_Munsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Jack-ODonoghue-Munster-Starts-2014-18.pngJack O'Donoghue Munster Starts 2014-182024-04-21T14:48:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2018/12/18/showdown-at-ravenhill/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Iain-Henderson_Ulster.jpgIain Henderson_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Dan-McFarland_Ulster.jpgDan McFarland_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ulster-Rugby_Tommy-Dickon_INPHO.jpgUlster Rugby_Tommy Dickon_INPHOhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Dave-Shanahan_Ulster.jpgDave Shanahan_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Nick-Timoney_Ulster.jpgNick Timoney_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Marcell-Coetzee_Ulster.jpgMarcell Coetzee_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Marty-Moore_INPHO_01415080_Matthew-Bunn.jpgMarty Moore_INPHO_01415080_Matthew Bunnhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Eric-OSullivan_Ulster.jpgEric O'Sullivan_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kieran-Treadwell_Ulster.jpgKieran Treadwell_Ulster2018-12-19T23:20:32+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2018/06/25/eddie-jonestown-massacre/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/tadhg-beirne_scarlets.jpgTadhg Beirne_Scarletshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/stuart-barnes_premiership_referee.pngStuart Barnes_Premiership_Refereehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/wayne-barnes_premiership.pngWayne Barnes_Premiershiphttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/tom-curray_england.pngTom Curray_England2018-12-03T23:03:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2018/03/21/from-aquarius-to-leo-rising/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lancaster_nacewa.jpglancaster_nacewahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/chairmanleo.jpgChairmanLeoThe common perception of Leo Cullen is the second row stalwart who returned from Leicester to enjoy a renaissance at his home province before moving into coaching. All of which is true but there’s a few more strings to Cullen’s bow. He is also the chairman of Cullen Communications, established by his dad, Frank Cullen, a public relations company with a number of multinational clients who “reported a slight dip in profits following the handover of the business from founder Frank Cullen to his two sons”.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/leinsterages2.jpgLeinsterAges2Marty Moore started 14 games in MOC’s first season which earned him a bench spot during the 2014 Six Nations during which time Tadhg Furlong started three games as 21 year old then took a back seat as Leinster won the Pro12. Jack Conan started one game during the same Six Nations with Heaslip and Jordi Murphy away on Ireland duty. Brian Byrne made one start the following season at the end of November 2014 joining Josh van der Flier as a starter after the flanker played against Zebre in October. Van der Flier was given another start during the 2015 Six Nations while Conan nailed down a run of games and started twelve times in the 14/15 season as a 22 year old.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/leinsterages1.jpgLeinsterAges12018-03-28T09:08:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2018/03/04/its-grim-up-north-ulsters-malaise/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/bryn-cunningham_ulster.jpgBryn Cunningham_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/shane-logan_ulster.jpgShane Logan_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/charles-piutau_ulster.pngCharles Piutau_Ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/shane-logan_tommybowe_ravenhill.jpgUlster Rugby agrees stadium naming rights deal with Kingspan05th June 2014 Photo by William Cherry/Presseye Ulster Rugby has signed a 10-year agreement with the Kingspan Group, the worldÕs leading provider of sustainable building materials, for the naming rights to what will now be called Kingspan Stadium. Pictured at the press conference are Shane Logan, Chief Executive Ulster Rugby, Pat Freeman, Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental and Ulster Rugby player Tommy Bowe.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/sean-obrien_ruan-pienaar_2012.jpgSean O'Brien_Ruan Pienaar_2012https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/niall-annett_worcester.pngNiall Annett_Worcesterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/chris-farrell_grenoble.jpgChris Farrell_Grenoblehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lorcan-dow_ireland-u20.jpgIreland U19 v Australia Schools - Representative Match14 December 2013; Lorcan Dow, Ireland. Representative Match, Ireland U19 v Australia Schools. Ravenhill Park, Belfast, Co. Antrim. Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILEhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/david-pollock_ulster-rugby.jpgDavid Pollock_Ulster Rugbyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/brian-mclaughlin_ulster-2012.jpgBrian McLaughlin_Ulster 20122018-05-04T13:38:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2017/05/15/squad-to-squad-tour-to-world-cup-japan-to-japan/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/rory-best-ireland.jpgRory Best Irelandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/eddie-osullivan-and-the-2005-irish-lions_billy-stickland.jpgEddie O'Sullivan and the 2005 Irish Lions_Billy Sticklandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/billy-hollland_canada.jpgBilly Hollland_Canadahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/tony-buckley_ireland-vs-canada.jpgTony Buckley_Ireland vs Canadahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/rob-kearney_andrew-trimble.jpgRob Kearney_Andrew Trimblehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/schmidt-gatland.jpgschmidt-gatlandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/brian-carney-vs-scotland_oliver-mcveigh-sportsfile.jpgBrian Carney vs Scotland_Oliver McVeigh Sportsfilehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/david-wallace-vs-japan-2005.jpgDavid Quinlan 19/6/2005Ireland Rugby Tour of Japan 2nd Test Japan vs Ireland 19/6/2005 Japan's Takanori Kumagae can't stop David Wallace touching down for their first try Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/luke-fitzgerald_lions-2009.jpgLuke Fitzgerald_Lions 20092017-05-21T14:13:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2017/01/16/4-up-2013-year-3/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2013-year-3-crop.jpg2013-year-3-crophttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/henshaw-try-nz.jpghenshaw-try-nz2017-01-18T13:09:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2017/01/08/ireland-second-rows-in-2016-the-post-paul-oconnell-era/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/toner_new-zealand.jpgtoner_new-zealandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/jonny_gray_scotland.jpgjonny_gray_scotlandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/donnacha-ryan_blockdown.jpgdonnacha-ryan_blockdownhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/healy_obrien.jpghealy_obrienhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iain-henderson_ulster.jpgiain-henderson_ulsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/toner-ryan_new-zealand.jpgtoner-ryan_new-zealandhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ultan-dillane_versus-new-zealand.jpgultan-dillane_versus-new-zealand2018-02-13T16:27:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2016/12/22/5-up-2012-year-4/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/connacht_back3.jpgconnacht_back3Pat Lam plays a 2-4-2 game that uses a lot of width and provides an opportunity for speed on the wing because they will see the ball. Instead of pruning from the Connacht academy, Lam went fishing in the AIL for pace, where he caught Matt Healy and Niyi Adeolokun. Speed kills and Layden’s lack of top flight gas, combined with his injuries and increased competition for places under a coach that had recruited a certain kind of player meant that opportunity was limited for game time. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hendy_paulie.jpghendy_paulie- "Who wrote that book for you?" -"Who read it to you?!" Can Hendy translate athletic ability into a great career? He's had a great example at the right time so he knows how it is done.2017-01-05T13:12:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2016/02/01/napoleans-ghost/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/fouroux.jpgfourouxThe force of nature that was Jacques Fouroux directs operationshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/clouseau.jpgclouseauWe opened our preview of France’s 2011 campaign with this “Clouseau is the bumbling and incompetent police inspector of the French Sûreté, whose investigations are marked with chaos and destruction that he himself largely causes. Regardless of his rather limited ability, he successfully solves his cases and finds the correct culprits, even if this success is achieved entirely by accident.”https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/laporte_guignol.jpglaporte_guignolLaporte was urbane, intense and a passionate disciplinarian, associated with Parisian money and a national figure due to his likeness appearing as a Guignol.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/berbizier.jpgberbizier[box] France sought to replicate Fouroux when appointing Pierre Berbizier, fresh from a career as an international scrum half, as coach in 1992. Berbizier had been given his international debut by Fouroux as a 22 year old. England dominated the Five Nations during Berbizier’s time in charge and les Bleus did better on the road, winning a two test series in NZ in 1994 before losing controversially in the 1995 RWC semi to hosts South Africa.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/dubroca.jpgdubrocaFouroux proved a hard act to follow as England improved and Daniel Dubroca didn’t last long, leaving the job after RWC91 when he manhandled referee David Bishop. Dubroca was captain of France at the 1987 RWC, appointed by coach Jacques Fouroux. He had overseen a team capable of le beau jeu, like this try against England at Twickenham, but that also struggled with discipline.2016-09-12T12:26:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2016/01/02/buy-rent-or-steal-or-loan/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/darren-oshea_maul-vs-nottingham_rachel-holborn_camerasport.pngDarren O'Shea_Maul vs Nottingham_Rachel Holborn_CameraSportO'Shea breaks away from the head of a lineout maul against Nottingham. If I were editing a club program in the early-mid 90s, I'm pretty sure that this would be in black and white and titled "On The Burst". Photo Credit: Rachel Holborn/CameraSporthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/rachel-holborn_camera-sport-darren-oshea-vs-nottingham.pngRachel Holborn_Camera Sport - Darren O'Shea vs Nottinghamhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/darren-oshea-worcester-vs-northampton-pre-season-friendly.jpgDarren O'Shea Worcester vs Northampton Pre Season FriendlyO'Shea races away from former Munster team-mate JJ Hanrahan to score a lung-buster from 50m out for Worcester against Northampton Saints in a pre-season match earlier this autumn. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mike-mccarthy_paul-moran_sportsfile.jpgMike McCarthy_Paul Moran_SportsfileMike McCarthy has been putting in some highlight-reel tackles in recent games, most notably the rib-tickler on Toulon's enormous Romain Taofifenua in the Lansdowne Road fixture of the double-header. When allied to the strength he provides in the scrum behind the tighthead prop and his physicality at the breakdown over 60-65 minutes, he's doing everything that Leinster could ask of him. Photo Credit: Paul Moran/Sportsfilehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mark-mccall_tightlipped.jpgMark McCall_TightlippedDifficult to find a more characteristic photograph of Mark McCall: tracksuit clad, brow furrowed, lip tightened. He's not a charismatic svengali, but he knows his businesshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/darren-oshea_tackled_london-scottish_rachel-holborn_camerasport.pngDarren O'Shea_Tackled_London Scottish_Rachel Holborn_CameraSportRyan Lamb doesn't look too keen on getting involved on his mate's behalf as O'Shea is double-teamed against London Scottish. Never mind the contact position though – look at the height of yon beastie! Photo Credit: Rachel Holborn/CameraSporthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/darren-oshea_lineout-vs-cornwall_rachel-holborn_camerasport.pngDarren O'Shea_Lineout vs Cornwall_Rachel Holborn_CameraSportDarren O'Shea at the top of the pyramid taking a lineout ball for the Worcester Warriors in last season's RFU Championship fixture against the Cornish Pirates. Photo rights: Rachel Holborn/CameraSport2016-01-04T12:02:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/12/31/leviathan/2016-01-02T13:46:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/18/ireland-rwc-2015-report-card-part-7-brains-trust/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/schmidt_semaphore.jpgschmidt_semaphoreKinda looks like 1/4. And keeps up our teapot theme for this review.2015-12-20T18:52:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/16/ireland-rwc-2015-report-card-part-4-half-backs/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/conormurray_2015.jpgConorMurray_2015Conor Murray's average Kick/Pass/Run breakdown over the four RWC15 games he started was 10/94/4, with his box-kicking in the Italian game sticking out in the memory. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/isaac-boss_2013.jpgIsaac Boss 22/11/2013Boss has played well over 300 games of professional and representative rugby, including 22 test caps for Ireland and 16 for the Wolfhounds/Ireland 'A'. At 35 years old, he's very much in the winter of his career, but the Tokorua-born scrum-half keeps himself in phenomenal shape and, as importantly in a long career, keeps a smile on his face. He's an example of how far a great attitude can bring you and an example to all young players in terms of his application and temperament – as is his sometime provincial rival, Peter Stringer. 2015-12-17T08:48:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/12/15/print-is-dead-long-live-print-no-2-the-complete-rugby-union-compendium/2015-12-22T23:07:34+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/12/02/print-is-dead-long-live-print-no-1-no-borders/2015-12-04T13:22:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/27/ireland-rwc-2015-report-card-part-8-irish-rugby/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/eddie-jones.jpgeddie jonesEddie is Establishment now but the Randwick man got his big break coaching the upstart Brumbies. The great Rod MacQueen had laid the foundations for a team originally composed of discards from Queensland and NSW. Innovation comes from the margins. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/lockyer.jpglockyerThe Maroons have put together an incredible Origin record over the last decade, frequently fielding a team outweighed by NSW but with buckets of pace and football. To go even more esoteric in League, I loved the 2005 Wests Tigers. They started the season poorly and were the smaller team in every game they played but they were fit, hungry, skillful and could score from anywhere.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/gibson.jpggibsonThe NZ Herald opined in 2005 that "the innovations they introduced have had an influence which is still being felt. Oddly, the lessons provided by the Lions on 1971 may have been of more benefit to New Zealand than to the British Isles. Even by the end of the 1971 season some New Zealand sides were starting to show an appreciation of backline counterattacking."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/doyler.jpgdoylerOf all the Irish coaches, Mick Doyle made the greatest impression on me with his mantra of “give it a lash”. In 1990, the Irish soccer team were sent on the greatest sporting expedition the nation has ever mounted with their manager being exhorted to Give it a Lash, Jack. “Johnny Aldridge, showed the Maltese, that he hadn't lost his touch, he's holding back now, for the craic now, ‘til the day we get revenge on the Dutch” I love that song.2015-12-01T08:20:17+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/07/ireland-rwc-2015-report-card-part-5-centres/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/keith-earls-2015.jpgKeith Earls 2015Keith Earls celebrates breaking Brian O'Driscoll's Irish World Cup try-scoring record against Italy. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/robbie-henshaw-2015.jpgRobbie Henshaw 2015Henshaw’s performances in the 2015 Six Nations were extremely impressive for a young player making his first appearance in the tournamenthave made him a shoo-in Making breaks and beating defenders is tough in the No12 jersey – there's no room. In those regards, Henshaw had a cracking Six Nations, easily outperforming any of his northern hemisphere contemporaries. Over the course of the 5 games in the Six Nations, Henshaw was credited by ESPN with 4 clean breaks [2 vs Scotland, 1 vs England, 1 vs Italy] and 16 defenders beaten [2 vs Scotland, 3 vs Wales, 6 vs England, 2 vs France and 3 vs Italy]. That gives an average of 0.8 CB/game and 3.2 DB/game. Jamie Roberts started all five games for Wales and is credited with 1 clean break and 6 defenders beaten [average: 0.2CB/game and 1.2DB/game]; Luther Burrell started all five for England and is credited with 2 clean breaks and 3 defenders beaten [0.4 CB/game and 0.6 DB/game -and those figures point towards why he didn't make the English RWC squad]. No other No12 started more than three matches in the championship. Masi [Italy] played in three games and is credited with 2 clean breaks and 4 defenders beaten [0.7 CB/game and 1.3 DB/game]; Fofana [France] played in three and is credited with 2 clean breaks and 6 defenders beaten [0.7 CB/game and 2 DB/game]; and Dunbar [Scotland] started 3 and is credited with 2 clean breaks and 2 defenders beaten [0.7 CB/game and 0.7 DB/game]. Given that he massively outperformed both in totals and averages all his contemporaries in those key attacking categories, that he was first rate defensively and that we won the Six Nations, I thought he was an unqualified success. By some distance the best No12 in the tournament. 2015-11-30T21:03:57+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/05/irelands-rwc15-report-card-part-six-the-back-three/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dave-kearney-argentina.jpgDave Kearney ArgentinaHis finger was grand, they were showing a replay of Argentina's first try on the big screen behind the doc. Badum-tish! Poor Dave. He had a great August and September and played his way on to the plane and into the team. He wasn't the only player to underperform against Argentina, but you're exposed as a winger and can really take a licking on a bad day. The Mole remembers Stefan Terblanche running four tries past Denis Hickie [and breaking his face for good measure] back in 1998.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/luke-fitzgerald-argentina.jpgLuke Fitzgerald - ArgentinaFitzgerald looked like he had to raise a bit of a gallop to get over the line for his try against Ireland, but he took the chance well and then made the next one to boot. His performances in the World Cup were very positive and bode well for a positive impact on the 2016 Six Nations. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tommy-bowe-romania-2015.jpgTommy Bowe - Romania 2015Tommy Bowe dots down accurately for Ireland's first try against Romania. The Ulsterman will miss the entire Six Nations for the third time in four years, and is in a race against time to be available for the summer tour to South Africa. At 31 years old and with 67 caps to his name, the parallels with another outsize winger of recent vintage are striking but hopefully not fateful: Shane Horgan earned the last of his 65 caps at 31 years old in the November 2009 test match against Fiji. 2015-11-11T14:46:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/05/ireland-rwc2015-report-cards-pt-3-the-backrow/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/sean-obrien_pascal-pape.jpgSean OBrien_Pascal PapeThree words: big f*cking deal. O'Brien hits Papé with his wrist in the ned kelly and everyone wrings their hands. I want to see less people being dragged and held off the ball ... if that means more punches, all the better! It's like a good economy: you tax things to disincentivise them. Big cars that are harmful to air quality, smokes that cause cancer etc. Ask rugby fans whether they want to see more players held off the ball or more punches.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/jordi-murphy-ireland.jpgJordi-Murphy-IrelandJordi Murphy caption2015-11-06T20:02:34+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/04/irelands-rwc-2015-report-card-pt-2-the-second-row/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/paul-oconnell-2015.jpgPaul O'Connell 2015Paul O'Connell: hugely missed by the team against Argentina, the captain will be hugely missed by every Irish rugby fan when the Six Nations rolls around. It's not that I'm predicting we'll go to pot without him there, it'll just be really odd to go to Lansdowne Road with the knowledge that he won't ever be back on the pitch in green. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/donnacha-ryan_ireland.jpgDonnacha Ryan_IrelandDonnacha Ryan: the Shannon man has been out of the international picture for a good while due to injury, but he's got the size, temperament and experience to thrive at test level. If he can come close to replicating O'Connell's workrate and effectiveness at the breakdown, he'll be very difficult to leave out of the Irish team over the next couple of years. If he can scrummage as well as his former Munster team-mate, it will be nigh-on impossible. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irelands-iain-henderson-630x460.jpgirelands-iain-henderson-630x460Iain Henderson: he can do everything, but not at the same time. Paul O'Connell's international retirement opens up a slot in the second row, but Peter O'Mahony's opens up another in the backrow. There are a number of locks in Ireland who can hit rucks, scrummage and maul as well as Hendy, but there are very few player who can do as much damage with the ball in hand. 2015-11-13T15:29:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/11/02/ireland-rwc15-report-cards-pt-1-front-rows/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/jack-mcgrath_ireland.jpgJack McGrath_IrelandBig Strong Jack: probably the most unfortunate Irish player in selection terms, McGrath made a big impact off the bench against the Pumas and had an excellent all-round tournament. With Dave Kilcoyne impressing during the warm-ups, Ireland is particularly well-served at loosehead at the moment.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/mikerossvaustralianov14_large.jpgMikeRossvAustraliaNov14_largeMike Ross in traditional tighthead stance. How many times have you heard somebody say that they don't care what else a tighthead can do if he can't scrummage? Ross remains one of the premier tighthead scrummagers in world rugby, and adapted far better to the change in protocols than the other heavyset Celtic No3s, Adam Jones and Euan Murray. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/nathanwhiteirelaug15_large.jpgNathanWhiteIrelAug15_largeNathan White strikes a familiar pose. Meow Mole, put those claws away. 2015-11-06T14:43:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/16/report-card-second-row/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/franno.jpgfranno2015-10-20T13:45:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/09/29/roundheads/2015-10-02T11:05:42+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/09/22/wrestling-romania/2015-09-26T07:49:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/09/18/opening-night/2015-09-18T18:38:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/09/17/rag-trading/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cheika.jpgcheikaMike Cheik 1-2, 1-22015-09-22T11:34:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/09/04/bound-for-tiger-bay/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/eliot_ness.jpgEliot_Ness"I'll get you Beer Baron!" "No you won't!!"2015-09-08T15:19:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/08/28/on-the-road-again/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/young-paulie.jpgYoung PaulieExperience is often "hard bitten".2015-09-03T16:42:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/08/13/silver-haired-silver-ferns/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/hansen.jpghansenHansen, so hot right now. Hansen.2015-08-13T09:59:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/08/11/the-moles-world-cup-diary/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/last-of-summer-wine.jpglast of summer wineIreland's scrum half corps for the RWC get ready for a hot chocolate and an afternoon nap. He likes an afternoon nap does Conor Murray.2015-08-12T16:29:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/05/12/5-up-2014-year-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/jack-odonoghue.jpgjack o'donoghueJack O'Donoghue's got a nose for the try line2015-05-23T18:07:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/04/03/no-backs-please-were-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ireland-six-nations-champions-2015.jpgIreland Six Nations Champions 2015There's always going to be an emphasis on the international game in a World Cup year, and it's hard not to think that the Leinster players involved in the Irish squad haven't had both eyes on the ball in provincial blue. Regular posters on the Leinsterfans website have commented on how difficult it is to name a candidate for the province's Player of the Season and, as the few remaining members of the O'Connor faithful have opined, the coach can't make the players' tackles for them.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/leinster-loss_the-stoop.jpgLeinster Loss_The StoopLeinster have had an extremely poor league season by their standards, but are still in with a shout in the European Cup. It's a moment of truth, but can the province return to former standards and former glories, or will their continue to chart a declining course?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/matt-oconnor_leinster.jpgMatt O'Connor_LeinsterFiller Captionhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/brendan-macken-bi-cup-record.pngBrendan Macken B&I Cup RecordBren Macken British & Irish Cup record over the years [click to embiggen]: the Blackrock College alumnus found the competition a happy hunting ground, but struggled to impose himself in the Pro12. Still sort of confusing. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jamie-heaslip_tackled-by_bundee-aki.jpgJamie Heaslip_tackled by_Bundee AkiJamie Heaslip gets stuffed by Connacht's Bundee Aki. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/luke-mcgrath_leinster.jpgLuke McGrath_LeinsterFiller Texthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sam-coghlan-murray-green-bib.jpgThat's right lad, keep the green bib on. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/tadhg-furlong_big-leinster.jpgTadhg Furlong_Big LeinsterTadhg Furlong celebrates a try in European competition.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dominic-ryan_leinster.jpgDominic Ryan_LeinsterFiller Texthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/tom-farrell_lansdowne_tomc3a1s-greally_sportfile.jpgTom Farrell_Lansdowne_Tomás Greally_SportfileTom Farrell puts in a big fend on Adam Craig of Ballynahinch on the back pitch at Lansdowne. He bagged a pair of tries on the day and has scored in every one of Lansdowne's last five UBL games. [Photo Credit: Tomás Greally/Sportsfile]2015-04-23T02:49:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/04/07/4-up-2013-year-2/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/henshaw.jpgHenshawRobbie Henshaw took to international rugby pretty quickly and earned a Championship medal in his first full season.2015-04-21T21:38:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/03/26/5-up-2012-year-3/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/gilsenan.jpggilsenanLike many of his generation Conor Gilsenan headed to London for employment.2015-04-07T15:50:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2015/01/20/the-age-of-aquarius/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/rhys-ruddock.jpgrhys ruddockSpecial mention in this season should also go to Rhys Ruddock who was still classified as a young player. Although he “only” made 7 starts, it was his fourth season of first team rugby. Ruddock strikes me as a very conscientious player who has captained each team he has played for and accepted that responsibility dutifully. The closest comparison to Ruddock is Munster captain Peter O’Mahony who is over a year older. O’Mahony seems a much more extroverted character than Ruddock with many more fist pumps, embraces and one-to-one exhortations of encouragement on the pitch compared with the relatively reserved Ruddock. The impression I’ve had of Ruddock is that of the young fogey and I hope as he grows older he is able to draw on his leadership experience and allows it to complement his own game rather than burden it.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/young-player-table-leinster.pngYoung Player table - Leinsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/young-player-table-leinster.jpgYoung Player table - Leinster2015-02-04T14:33:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/10/29/over-the-top/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/over-the-top.jpgover the topInsert Top 14 club names here2014-11-03T11:46:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/10/11/razor-cuts-his-ties/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ruddock_jones.jpgruddock_jonesSeen it, Done it, Got the T-Shirt2014-10-14T14:39:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/06/25/5-up-2014/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/classof2014.jpgclassOf2014The Class of 2014. David Busby's injury created an opening for Frankie Taggart2015-03-31T19:19:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/05/21/sakoku/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/shogun_axel.jpgshogun_axelAxel Foley's Shogun2014-06-14T14:33:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/04/10/4-up-2013-year-1/2015-03-31T19:21:54+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/04/15/4-up-2013/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/olding.jpgoldingHot on the heels of Iain Henderson, Stuart Olding's development suggests Ulster's Academy is doing the business2014-04-01T12:18:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/23/5-up-2012/2014-04-01T12:18:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/04/08/5-up-2012-year-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/hendo.jpghendoThe First of the Class of 2012 to graduate to full honours, Hendo is likely to be in the middle of Ireland's forwards for the next decade2023-08-09T09:15:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/04/01/5-up-2012-year-2/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/jj-hanrahan.jpegjj hanrahanJJ Hanrahan was begun to assume the mantle of Munster's number 10, compiling a success rate from the tee of nearly 90% in the processhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/backrow-minutes-2014.pngbackrow minutes 2014Backrow minutes2014-04-26T17:44:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/03/07/ruck-marks-england-vs-ireland-2014/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/conor-murray_tackle_mark-pain.jpgConor Murray_tackle_Mark PainConor Murray and Andrew Trimble make an effective last ditch tackle on England Wing Johnny May to prevent a certain try early in the game. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/martinmoore_ireland.jpgMartinMoore_IrelandMartin Moore, another important find for Ireland this tournament. Moore's strongpoint is his scrummaging, but his workrate has been impressive off the bench in the last three games. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/england-vs-ireland-ruck-marks-results.pngEngland vs Ireland Ruck Marks ResultsEngland vs Ireland, 2014 Six Nation Ruck Marks [click to embiggen]:https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/agincourt-archers.jpgAgincourt ArchersThey've a bit of history when it comes to defense.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/brian-odriscoll_ireland-vs-england-2014.jpgBrian O'Driscoll_ireland vs England 2014Brian O'Driscoll slips out of Billy Twelvetrees' tackle in his first carry of the game. The former Irish captain turned in his best attacking performance of the Six Nations and showcased his wide array of skills. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/mike-brown_england-vs-ireland.jpgMike Brown makes a breakMike Brown is bang in form and making line breaks out of nothing. Ireland tried to keep the ball away from him and concentrate their aerial attack on England's inexperienced wingers, but Brown still found a way to influence the gamehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/devin-toner_ireland-england.jpgDevin Toner_Ireland EnglandDevin Toner at the end of the English game. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/martin-johnson_lairy-johno.jpgMartin Johnson_Lairy JohnoLairy Johno - Martin Johnson won't stand in the naughty corner. I thought we weren't bringing that up?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/center-performances-vs-england-2013-14.pngCenter performances vs England 2013 & 14Centre performances vs England 2013-14: it's difficult to get any change out of these guys in midfieldhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/franno_are-you-not-entertained.jpgFranno_Are You Not Entertained"Are you not entertained?"2015-05-01T13:23:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/03/04/ruck-marks-ireland-vs-wales-2014/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ian-evans_red-card.jpgIan Evans_red cardRomain Poite shows Ian Evans a red card for stamping on Mike McCarthy's head. Evans' subsequent 12-week ban has had significant repercussions for Warren Gatland's Wales. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/devin-toner_ireland-wales-2014.jpgDevin Toner_Ireland Wales 2014Devin Toner goes high to claim one of the six lineouts he took against Wales. The lineout was the most important set-piece of the game, and dominance in the air paved the way for a resounding Irish victory. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/richard-hibbard_wales-vs-australia.jpgRichard Hibbard_Wales vs AustraliaFat Bodhi charges into contact against Australia, blond hair a-streamin'. Is he 'all-action' as frequently described? He's certainly 'all-impact', but he's doesn't run on Duracell.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/bernard-hopkins.jpgBernard HopkinsB-Hop: he's older than dirt, but tougher than iron both mentally and physically. He had the physical tools to begin with, but it is the mental strength that has kept him close to the top of his game even as a 49 year old. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/taulupe-faletau_ireland.jpgTaulupe Faletau_Ireland‘Look at the wheels! He’s absolutely skinned yer man. He’s heading for touch though – if he doesn’t ... oh. He just ran into touch.’ Well, that was exciting. And shit.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/heaslip_faletau_2012.jpgHeaslip_Faletau_2012Sam Warburton and Taulupe ['Toby'] Faletau tackle Jamie Heaslip in the 2012 Six Nations game. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/peter-omahony_man-of-the-match.jpgPeter O'Mahony_Man of the MatchPeter O'Mahony took home a well-earned Man of the Match award largely on the back of his efforts at the breakdown. He was pretty great in the lineout too, but don't ask him to sing. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/mike-phillips_wales-2014.jpgMike Phillips_Wales 2014Mike Phillips challenges the Irish defense, but he was less of a threat than he has been in the last six years and spent too much of his time disputing the referee's decisions and wasting his energy after the whistle had finished play. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ireland-vs-wales-ruck-marks-results.pngIreland vs Wales Ruck Marks ResultsIreland vs Wales Ruck Marks, Six Nations 2014 [click to embiggen]:2014-03-06T21:41:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/02/19/wor-roses-lancasters-men/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/george-ford.jpggeorge fordHe'll reduce the size of England's midfield but create far more threats2014-02-19T16:38:54+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/02/03/the-gospel-of-saint-joe/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/schmidt.jpgschmidtA letter from Joe to the Scots (Book of Schmidt II.1)2014-02-07T10:47:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2014/01/09/ruck-marks-irelands-autumn-series/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/sean-obrien_ireland-new-zealand_2.jpgSean O'Brien_Ireland New Zealand_2Sean O'Brien had a huge game against New Zealand in every aspect. No doubt there's a fake birth certificate on the way to shoe-horn him into the 'Golden Generation'. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/peter-omahony_australia.jpgPeter OMahony_AustraliaIt's a thriller, thriller night: Peter O'Mahony shows off his lineout moves against Australia. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/paul-oconnell_disappointment.jpgPaul O'Connell_DisappointmentPaul O'Connell's expression says it all. Ireland were seconds away from a first win over New Zealand in history, but it was snatched out of their hands. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/gordondarcy_maanonu_irelandvnewzealand13.jpgGordon D'Arcy tackled by Ma'a Nonu 24/11/2013Gordon D'Arcy is tackled by Ma'a Nonu. This was the veteran centre's seventh game for his country against New Zealand, and while he has been involved in some tight enough games before [2012 in Christchurch being the closest], this one took the heartbreak cake fairly conclusively.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/jamie-heaslip-sean-obrien_richie-mccaw.jpgJamie Heaslip Sean O'Brien_Richie McCawHeaslip and O'Brien shut down Captain Tackles. Between them, Ireland's No7 and No8 completed 37 tackles against the All Blackshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pauloconnellrorybest_ireland1.jpgRory Best and Paul O'ConnellPaul O'Connell and Rory Best, two of Ireland's most effective players at the ruck and breakdown. Sean Cronin's eye-catching open-field running has made him a viable contender to the Ulster No2 in many Irish fans' eyes, but there's a big trade-off in how competitive Ireland would be at the tackle, breakdown and ruck areas with the current Leinster hooker in the saddle.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/mcfadden-2013.pngMcFadden 2013Fergus McFadden's 2013: in four out of his five tests, he led the Irish backline in terms of metres run, and in three of those games he led the backs both in clean breaks and defenders beaten. In his last three tests especially, he went looking for the ball all over the park and was very busy, racking up 23 possessions against Canada, 14 against Samoa and 22 against Australia, bagging four tries along the way. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/fergus-mcfadden_2013.pngFergus McFadden_2013Fergus McFadden's 2013https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/paul-o-connell_vsaustralia.jpgPaul O Connell_VsAustraliaO'Connell charges into contact against Australia. Ireland's captain had a mixed day – he's a player whose effort you can never, ever fault, but some of his skills and decisions weren't the best. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/chris-henray_ireland.jpgChris Henray_IrelandHooray Henry!2014-01-22T17:30:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/11/18/the-man-in-the-middle/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/nigelowenstmo.jpgnigelowensTMORubber Ducky, are you there?2013-12-27T12:28:57+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/11/07/give-it-a-lash-joe/2013-11-18T23:15:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/10/30/ruck-marks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/paul-oconnell_lions.jpgPaul O'Connell_LionsO'Connell had a massive game in the first test, and his staggering work-rate as a road-grading rucker was vital to the Lions victory. He also scrummaged with a broken arm. What a lunatic! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lions-ruck-marks-spreadsheet-example.pngLions Ruck Marks Spreadsheet ExampleA partial extract from the spreadsheet for the first test; we were originally going to publish these in full, but a] it's actually difficult to get a format that fits; and b] people look at enough spreadsheets in work. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/toby-faletau_lions.jpgToby FaletauFaletau and Heaslip were the only two No8s on tour and battled it out for the test spot from the off. Heaslip god the nod for the first test, but Faletau took over for the third and had a big impact.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/jamie-heaslip_will-genia_lions.jpgJamie Heaslip_Will Genia_LionsHeaslip hammers into Genia as the Australia scrum-half gets the ball away in the first test. The Lions No8 wasn't an influential figure in the second test however, and lost out in selection for the third. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/adam-jones-lions-deadlift.jpgAdam Jones Lions DeadliftHe's big, he's round, he weighs three hundred pounds, Adam Jones, Adam Jones. He's also got a decent workrate if you don't kick the ball in the air every two minutes.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lions-series-ruck-scores.pngLions Series Ruck ScoresRuck Marks, Lions Series vs Australia [click to embiggen]. It has gone unmentioned until now, but Brian O'Driscoll was exceptionally effective at the breakdown in the first and second tests, even though he was exceptionally harshly penalised by referee Chris Pollock in the first. O'Driscoll actually outperformed two of the Lions forwards [Heaslip and Adam Jones] in the second test at ruck time. How often do you hear that the breakdown is key? That’s obviously a rhetorical question, because you hear it every single game. It’s not key when it doesn’t fit the narrative, however. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lions-third-test-ruck-scores-roundup.pngLions Third Test Ruck Scores RoundupLions 3rd Test Ruck Marks [click to embiggen]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lions-second-test-ruck-scores-roundup.pngLions Second Test Ruck Scores RoundupFiller text [click to embiggen]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lions-first-test-ruck-scores-roundup.pngLions First Test Ruck Scores RoundupRuck Marks, Lions first test versus Australia [click to embiggen]. This seems self explanatory enough, having looked at it for about nine hours, but it's obviously nothttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wales-fan-with-face-paint.jpgWales fan with face paintAll my geese are swans; all Sam Warburton's hits are decisive. 2015-03-05T14:23:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/09/06/transferring-talent/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/andrew-goodman_leinster_clermont.jpgAndrew Goodman_Leinster_ClermontAndrew Goodman came in for Leinster and did an honest job in the middle of the season. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/rob-kearney_vs-clermont.jpgRob Kearney_vs ClermontRob Kearney gets more stick than he deserves. If he knew how much flak he was going to take for welcoming Richie Gray to Istanbul in the 2012 Six Nations, he'd have gone head first at his leading knee ... he'd have had fewer headaches from it. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tom-denton_leinster.jpgZebre v Leinster - Celtic League 2012/13 Round 21With Quinn Roux having taken a late knock in training and Leo Cullen yet to get going, Tom Denton gets an early opportunity to put down a marker in Leinster's first game of the season. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2008-again.png2008 again2008 wasn't a vintage year for Leinster at U20 level in the first place, and now injury has meant the loss of the best of them, Eoin O'Malley.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2008_u21s.png2008_U21sThe 2008 U21s wasn't a vintage crop in terms of professional productionhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/leinster-squad-revised-2013-14.pngLeinster Squad Revised 2013-14Leinster Squad Age Profile [click to embiggen]: the green flag signifies that the player is an Irish international and shows the year of his last cap; players highlighted in yellow are non-Irish eligible [NIE]; the player highlighted in light green [Quinn Roux] is Leinster's designated project playerhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/eoinomalley_leinster.jpgEoinOMalley_LeinsterEoin O'Malley has had a very promising career cut short mid-stride. With Brian O'Driscoll definitively in his last season and held back due to his summer exertions with the Lions, it's a bad blow to the team as well. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mark-mchugh_connacht.jpgMark McHugh_ConnachtMark McHugh for Connacht against Harlequins. That peroxide look never got old! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/leo-cullen_irelandu21.pngLeo Cullen_IrelandU21Leo Cullen [looking bigger than in his later playing days] in his Irish U21 days. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/cieran-scally_billy-stickland_inpho.jpgCieran Scally_Billy Stickland_INPHOCieran Scally makes a break for Ireland in November 1998. Only a couple of months out of his teenage years, Scally's first two appearances at international level saw him score a couple of tries, but even at that stage he wasn't operating at 100% fitness. His injury opened the door for year-mate Peter Stringer – his stylistic opposite as a scrum-half – and the Munster man went on to have a brilliant international career [photo credit: Billy Stickland/INPHO].2013-09-18T17:52:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/07/02/attempted-burglary-thwarted/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/richie-gray_lions.jpgBritish & Irish Lions v BarbariansRichie Gray has only had one opportunity in the Saturday side, but at his best he has the potential to be one of the best locks in the world. Should Gatland throw caution to the wind and pick the enormous Jock? It's a big risk, but after the way he selected and planned for the second test, a bolt from the blue would be welcomed at Mole Towers. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/jonny-sexton_lions.jpgJonathan Sexton, Australia v Lions, BrisbaneThis is either from the first test or photoshopped – practically all Sexton did in the second test was kick the ball in the air. He did it well, but he can do a lot of things well. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/who_dares_wins.jpgwho_dares_wins... and those who play buttoned up rugby lose. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ireland-vs-england_rain_brendan-moran-sportsfile.jpgIreland vs England_Rain_brendan Moran SportsfileIreland vs England in the 2013 Six Nations. Rain made handling a lottery and kept the passing to a minimum. What's the Lions excuse? [photo credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile] https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/horwill-mowen_wallabies.jpgAustralia v British & Irish Lions: Game 2Ben Mowen and James Horwill, the key players in the Wallabies' dominance over the Lions' lineout. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/leigh-halfpenny_lions.jpgLeigh-Halfpenny_LionsLeigh Halfpenny had a very, very long kick at the end of the game to snatch the match for the Lions. If he'd managed to get it, the Lions would have got away with robbery. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d-fence.jpgD-FenceD- Fence, D-Fence, D-Fence etc. But what happens when you need some O–Fence? https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lions-pack_updated.pngLions Pack_updatedThe Lions pack was essentially picked to defend, but struggled to retain ball in both open play and at the set piece. In the end, they didn't defend quite well enough. Fine margins etc. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lions-pack-comparison-1-2-tests.pngLions Pack Comparison 1 & 2 TestsThe Lions pack was essentially picked to play without the ball, but struggled to retain possession but in phase play and at the set piece. 2013-07-02T20:43:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/06/25/errors-and-omissions-dwelt-on/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/digby-ioane_wallabies4.jpgDigby Ioane_Wallabieshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/digby-ioane_wallabies3.jpgDigby Ioane_WallabiesDigby Ioane has been just about the most dangerous runner in world rugby over the last 18 months ... when he had two good knees. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sean-obrien_lions.jpgSean O'Brien_LionsSean O'Brien has another chance to put his case forward for a spot in the test 23 against the Rebels. Everybody knows that he can bash holes ... it will be interesting to see if he can stop himself giving away penalties at the breakdownhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mike-phillips_lions-vs-australia.jpgRugby Union - 2013 British and Irish Lions Tour - First Test - Australia v British and Irish Lions - Suncorp StadiumMike Phillips getting tackled by Will 'Genius' Genia and Michael 'Centre' Hooper. This happened a good bit, but normally it was Ben Mowen putting the skids on things. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/thats-my-gameplan.jpgThat's My Gameplan"And that's my gameplan, gentlemen." Who's going to tell him? "Shit gameplan, cap'n." Good man, Prop Number One! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tom-croft_lions-vs-australia.jpgTom Croft_Lions vs AustraliaTom Croft didn't get the opportunity to take advantage of his best-in-class speed. When you don't use him up and down the lineout and when he's not getting the ball in space, the parts of his game that differentiate him from other test blindsides are made null and voidhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/oconnell-arm-injury.pngO'Connell Arm InjuryDt. James Robson examines Paul O'Connell's right arm towards the end of the first test [screen capture via @Murray_Kinsella] https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/geoff-parling-loosehead-scrummager.jpgGeoff Parling Loosehead ScrummagerWhether it's in partnership with the South African-born veteran Mauritz Botha, the 21-year old Wasps prodigy Joe Launchbury or even somebody who regularly plays in the backrow in blindside James Haskell, Parling typically scrummages on the loosehead side: why ask him to scrummage behind the tighthead in a massive test match for the Lions against the Wallabies?2013-06-26T15:58:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/06/20/no-tigers-in-captivity/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/liger.jpgligerWhat do you get when you cross a Lion with a Tiger? A liger ... bred for its skills in magic. I remember when I was hip. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/no-tigers-in-captivity-snap.pngNo Tigers In Captivity SnapThe 2012-13 seasons of Tom Youngs and Geoff Parling in numbers [click to embiggen]. The two Tigers have put together enormously productive seasons for both club and country, essentially playing themselves on to the Lions squad in the space of one season. Does that qualify them as blotters, or are they too unfashionable?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/nathan-hines_lions.jpgRugby Union - Nathan Hines FilerThis could have been Nathan Hines' 'Shawsy' tour, but because he's a key part of a massive club who played great rugby and had a really big season and couldn't show up for the pre-tour go-karting, he was ruled out. Funnily enough, that didn't rule Gethin Jenkins out. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/geoff-parling_lions.jpgGeoff Parling, British & Irish LionsGeoff Parling - if you make your test debut as a 28 year old, there's always going to be somebody who'll call you a journeyman. Nobody's going to call you a journeyman if you play for the Lions.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/groundskeeper_willie_freddy.jpgGroundskeeper_willie_freddyHe's bearded, he's a caretaker. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/manu-tuilagi-ferry-jumo.jpgNZH0554131109In the amateur era, Manu Tuilagi's ferry jump would have been written off as a classic bout of hijinks. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/nigel-redman_lions.jpgNigel Redman_LionsNigel Redman – a late call-up to the 1997 Lions as a 32/33 year old but somebody who added authority, technical ability and a disciplined hard-edge to the midweek team.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/liger-napoleondynamite.pngLiger-NapoleonDynamiteThe liger is a hybrid cross between a male lion (Panthera leo) and a tigress (Panthera tigris)https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tom-youngs_england-sevens.jpgTom Youngs_england SevensTom Youngs in his days as a center, back in 2007. He was called up to the England Sevens side in November of that year, alongside Matt Banahan and Ben Foden. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tom-youngs_nottingham.jpgTom Youngs_NottinghamTom Youngs in Nottingham colours during the 2009-10 season. 2013-06-21T08:49:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/06/21/the-curious-incident-of-stuarty-hogg-and-the-long-shadow/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/hogg_lions.jpghogg_lionsAustralia's hard ground seemed ideal for Hogg's running style , not for him launching garryowens when playing out of position in a scratch backline2013-06-22T03:32:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/06/17/chopper/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/toby-faletau_lions.jpgToby FaletauToby Faletau: he hasn't been quite at his best in Australia, but he has done more than enough over the last two seasons to earn Warren Gatland's faith. He has been such an accomplished performer since debuting for Wales two years ago that it's easy to forget how young he is; at 22 years old, he's younger than Simon Zebo.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/pink-floyd-atom-heart-mother.jpgPink-Floyd-Atom-Heart-MotherAtom Heart Mother, by Pink Floyd. Nothing worse than not crediting your quotes. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/warren-gatland-lions-coach.jpgWarren GatlandGatland has difficult choices ahead of him in terms of filling the backrow positions for the first test ... but he'll probably have even more sleepless nights over the same issue before the second testhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dan-lydiate_robshaw1.jpgRugby Union - RBS 6 Nations Championship 2012 - England v Wales - Twickenham... and finally knocking down English captain Chris Robshaw. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/troy-mcclure-saturdaysofthunder11.pngTroy McClure - saturdaysofthunder11Why should I make up my own jokes? I'm not funny. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dan-lydiate_robshaw.jpgRugby Union - RBS 6 Nations Championship 2012 - England v Wales - Twickenham... and finally it's Chris Robshaw. He won't give you much go-forward, but he'll crunch their go-to men. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dan-lydiate_ferris.jpgDan Lydiate_Ferris... now it's Stephen Ferris, during the RWC11 quarter final ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dan-lydiate_parisse.jpgDan Lydiate_ParisseThere goes that Dan Lydiate, knocking down talisman after talisman with textbook tackles. This time it's Italian superhero Parisse ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dan-lydiate-by-the-numbers.pngDan Lydiate By The NumbersDan Lydiate's test career in numbers [click to embiggen]: if you're looking for a No6 who's going to repeatedly carry the ball, break tackles and get the team on the front foot, you're looking at the wrong guy. If you're looking for somebody who'll tackle everything around him and then go looking for more, you may have found your test starter.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust.jpgThree yards and a cloud of dustOne bunch of lads trying to run, another bunch of lads trying to stop the run. As Darrell K. Royal once said, "Three things can happen when you pass the ball and two of them are bad". That's quite the tangent. 2013-06-18T15:13:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/04/10/whereve-all-the-rude-boys-gone-japan/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/conormurray_ireland.jpgConor Murray 1/8/2011Conor Murray has become a vitally important player for both Munster and Ireland. With Ruan Pienaar entrenched at Ulster, both Eoin Reddan and Isaac Boss turning 33 this year and Kieran Marmion of Connacht as yet untried at test level, he's in a smashing bargaining position whenever his conract comes up for renewal. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/mark-egan_terenure_inpho_james-meehan.jpgMark Egan_Terenure_INPHO_James MeehanMark Egan taking ball on for Terenure against Eddie Halvey of Shannon in the AIL during 1997, after his return from Japan. Egan had been an Irish U25 representative at one time, and gave up his chance at a full cap to move to Japan and further his career. [Photo credit: James Meehan at INPHO]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/new-zealand-passport.jpgNew Zealand PassportPlenty of stamps. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/lynagh_e_campese_1992.jpgLynagh_e_Campese_1992Michael Lynagh and David Campese share a joke in October 1992 during a Super 10 game between Amatori Milano and Benetton Treviso.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/rocky-elsom_leinster.jpgRocky Elsom_LeinsterBack in 2008, Leinster were able to lure Rocky Elsom away from Australia after he had just been named 'Wallaby of the Year'. They wouldn't stand a chance these days. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/bakkies-botha_toulon.jpgBakkies Botha_ToulonMystifyingly, Stuart Barnes suggested in the Sunday Times that Bakkies might have a tough time against Leicester's 24 year old lock Ed Slater – and then repeated the calumny in his pre-match report for Sky Sports. What was he thinking? Bakkies isn't everybody's cup of tea, but he is one of the genuinely great second rows of the last decade. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/stephenferris_ireland.jpgStephen Ferris 5/2/2012Stephen Ferris https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/jaque-fourie-kobe.jpgJaque-Fourie-KobeJaque Fourie in action for Kobelco Steelers in the Japanese Top League. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/jonathan-davies_widnes.jpgJonathan Davies_WidnesJonathan Davies in his Widnes days. Davies' departure sparked fears of a mass exodus from Wales to the League, and it more or less panned out – big time players like Scott Gibbs and Scott Quinnell found their way north in the early 1990s, before Union went open. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/john-devereux_wales.jpgjohn-devereux_walesJohn Devereux, who starred for Wales in the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 as a 21 year old and the Lions tour to Australia two years later, moved to Widnes and Rugby League in 1989, leaving a huge hole in Welsh rugby. 2013-04-24T11:41:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/03/19/the-transfer-window-has-opened/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/philipbrowne_irfu.jpgPhilipBrowne_IRFUPhilip Browne - in the words of The Band, "I'm a union man now, all the way".https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/richie-gray.jpgRichie GrayRichie Gray, looking happy. Probably reflecting on his deal with Sale. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/decco-cuffe.jpgDecco CuffeAh, Deco Cuffe ... he was already in a band, but didn't fucking notice, apparently. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/simon-zebo_zebo-nation.jpgSimon Zebo_Zebo NationSimon Zebo has effortlessly made every step up from talented U20 to provincial regular to international highlight reel king in a two year period, scoring buckets of tries along the way - 20 in 45 games for Munster, 1 in 1 game for the Wolfhounds and 2 in five games for Ireland.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/nalaga_charge.jpgnalaga_chargeNaps Nalaga is a nightmare match-up for most wingers, but especially so for a slight chap like Conway. Putting the Blackrock lad into the team on the back of no particular attacking form to speak of would have been a very poor selection on the balance of probabilities.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/john-matuszak_raiders.jpgJohn Matuszak_RaidersJohn Matuszak - as perceptive a comment about professional sports as any roided monster ever made. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/niallwoodsirfu.jpg2009/10 Bord Gais Energy IRUPA Rugby AwardsNiall Woods, former CEO of IRUPA, head of Navy Blue Consulting and Conway's agent.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/andy-conway_leinster.jpgAndy Conway_LeinsterAndrew Conway, the youngest player in the Leinster senior squad, is on his way to Munster next season.2013-04-03T03:44:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/02/14/the-chips-are-down/2013-03-29T20:27:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/02/12/ireland-vs-england-match-reaction/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/launchbury_omahony.jpgLaunchbury_OMahonyNot an oul fellah in sight: Ben Youngs, Joe Launchbury, Peter O'Mahony and Cian Healy are four youngsters who will have big parts to play over the coming decade in these clashes. The torch has been well and truly passed in England, and Ireland have some catching up to do. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/farrell-and-robshaw-tackle-ogara.jpgFarrell and Robshaw tackle OGaraThis one's for you, Pa: Owen Farrell and Head Boy Chris Robshaw smash Ronan O'Garahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/jonny-sexton_injured.jpgJonny Sexton_injuredSexton limps off with a strained hamstring. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ire-vs-eng-2013-kicking-4thq.pngIre vs Eng 2013 Kicking 4thQKicking game, fourth quarter [min 60 - min 80]. The endgame, with Owen Farrell knocking over two penalties from the left of the sticks while Brand Haskell is in the bin.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ire-vs-eng-2013-kicking-3rdq.pngIre vs Eng 2013 Kicking 3rdQKicking game, third quarter [min 40 - 59]. A kick-heavy quarter, with the Irish halfbacks kicking 16 times in 20 minutes with very varied results: on the plus side, some great box kicks from Murray and Ireland's only scores of the game from O'Gara, but counterbalanced by some really appalling line-kicking from the veteran outhalf. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ire-vs-eng-2013-kicking-2ndq1.pngIre vs Eng 2013 Kicking 2ndQKicking game, second quarter [min 20 - min 40]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ire-vs-eng-2013-kicking-1stq1.pngIre vs Eng 2013 Kicking 1stQKicking game, 1st quarter of the match [min 1 - min 19]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/statto.jpgStattoYou rang? https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ire-vs-eng-2013-primary-kickers1.pngIre vs Eng 2013 Primary KickersThe kicking game played out in numbers on the basis of subjective judgment – no room for argument there, so. A √ signifies a good kick; a ≈ is a kick that's neither particularly good nor bad; and a X [an X?] is a bad kick. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/roberto-duran.jpgRoberto DuranRoberto Duran, the original Manos de Piedra or "Hands of Stone" – great for boxing, not so great for catching a slippy rugby ball. 2013-02-18T17:17:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/02/03/wales-v-ireland-match-reaction/2013-02-07T13:23:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/01/11/leinsters-second-row-puzzle/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/leo-cullen_white.jpgLeo-Cullen_whiteLeo Cullenhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/leo_cullen_captain.jpgleo_cullen_captainLeo Cullen has been the rock on which Leinster's success of recent times has been built, but he can't go on forever. It's natural that people are discussing his future, given that he turned 35 the other day. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mark-flanagan_sportsfile_brendan-moran.jpgMark Flanagan_Sportsfile_Brendan MoranMark Flanagan hits up the Cardiff defensive line a year ago in the Pro12. A long term back injury has kept him out of contention for the first half of the 2012-13 season, and it remains to be seen whether he can translate athletic potential into regular performance.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/fabien_pelous.jpgRUGBY/FRENCH CHAMP/MONTPELLIER v ST TOULOUSAINClone the man, teach him English.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/davidgannon_connacht.jpgDevin Toner and Dave Gannon 8/10/2011David Gannon has played for Connacht, the Exeter Chiefs and the Southland Stags in New Zealand – his commitment to the game and to his teams has been unflinching. Unfortunately, being a standout at underage level doesn't always mean you'll be a standout in the pro game, even with as good an attitude as Gannon has shown.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mal-okelly_ireland.jpgMal OKelly_IrelandMal O'Kelly won 92 caps for Ireland and appeared for Leinster 183 times in his thirteen seasons with the province. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mikemccarthy_leguizamon.jpgMikeMcCarthy_Leguizamon'Shrugging off' hardly does it justice. Mike McCarthy throws Pumas openside Juan Leguizamon away in the recent November international between Ireland and Argentina. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/dev-toner_stock.jpgDev Toner_StockDev Toner comes in for a huge amount of criticism from fans of other Irish provinces, which is inexplicable for such a mild-mannered guy! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ben-marshall_sportsfile_brendan-moran.jpgBen Marshall_Sportsfile_Brendan MoranBen Marshall has taken every chance offered to him in his final year in the Leinster Academy, and looks certain to have snared a senior contract for next season. [Photo Credit: Sportsfile_Brendan Moran] https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/tom-denton-leinster-a_sportfile_stephen-mccarthy.jpgTom Denton - Leinster A_Sportfile_Stephen McCarthyTom Denton turns out for Leinster 'A' in the British and irish Cup against his old side, Leeds Carnegie. Denton is in his first year of a two year deal, and hasn't made a serious impact yet. With that said, he's got the frame for the job and he's a hard-working player. The second half of the season should see him more familiar with Leinster's patterns, and it will be interesting to see how he goes. [Image courtesy of Sportfile & Stephen McCarthy]2015-05-01T16:07:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2013/01/06/northern-lights-southern-cross/2013-01-08T21:25:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/12/13/lions-lions-lions-lions-lions-lions-lions-lions-lions-lions-little-bit-of-time-for-actually-talking-about-the-match-thats-currently-on-lions-lions-lions-lions-lions-etc/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/lions-king-skar-vs-simba.jpgLion King Skar vs SimbaDylan Hartley and Rory Best went head to head last Friday night and there was only one - LIONS LIONS LIONS LIONS LIONS LIONS LIONS LIONS LIONS LIONS 2013-01-04T10:20:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/12/11/speed-kills/2013-03-07T13:15:18+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/12/03/play-la-marseillaise-play-it/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/freddie-michalak_toulouse-2011.jpgFreddie Michalak_Toulouse 2011Freddie looking pretty fat and unhappy during a break in play against Perpignan for Toulouse in April 2011. Within a couple of months he had left his club of over a decade and was heading back to South Africa. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/freddi-michalak_sharks2012.jpgFreddi Michalak_Sharks2012Freddie prepares an attempt on goal for the Sharks in the keenly fought 2012 Super 15 semi-final against the Stormers. His return to South African rugby could only be viewed as a massive success. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/freddie-michalak_france.jpgFreddie Michalak_FranceFreddie Michalak - he's played in a hell of a lot of big games and has won a hell of a lot of medals already, and at 30 years old, he still has a good few years left in him. He's playing as though he hasn't a care in the world at the moment, and it's working for both himself and France. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/louis-picamoles_france.jpgLouis Picamoles_FranceThey call him 'The Iceberg' because 7/8 of the mass is below the waterline. It's a manly way of saying that he's got a massive arse. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/yannick-forestier_castres1.jpgYannick Forestier_CastresCastre's 30-year old loosehead Yannick Forestier only debuted for France this season, but the French club set-up allows for players [especially tight five forwards] to emerge relatively late in their careers. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/yannick-forestier_castres.jpgYannick Forestier_CastresCastre's Yannick Forestier only debuted for France this year. 2012-12-05T21:45:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/11/27/jeunesse-doree/2012-12-02T08:07:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/11/19/when-the-music-stops/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/luke_marshall.jpgluke_marshallThere are doubts about Marshall's pace and his error count but he is an astute footballer who creates space.2012-11-29T08:52:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/11/05/our-friends-from-the-north-pt-3-ryan-caldwell-and-the-lessons-he-could-teach-you/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/johannmuller_ulster.jpgJohann Muller 8/10/2010Johann Muller won't be around for ever, and he has been a leading figure in Ulster's renaissance. If they don't suitably replace him with a quality player, the loss could be significant. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/jerry-flannery-human-sleddog.jpgJerry Flannery - Human SleddogJerry Flannery had a fairly brusque take on some of the youngsters that were coming up at Munster in the waning days of his own career. Normally you only hear good things from old pros about the nippers, so it was interesting to hear a different spin. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/aviva-premiership-scrum.jpgAviva Premiership ScrumThe Premiership has improved as a spectacle this season [bar Saracens, the joyless bastards], but that doesn't mean that the forward grind has got any softer. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/leo-cullen_young.jpgLeo Cullen_YoungLeo Cullen, back in the days when Leinster wore stripey shirts and Girv had hair [sorry Girv]. He left for Leicester for two years and came home a harder, more streetwise player and a more mature and capable leader. Sometimes things off the pitch have a huge impact on how you perform as a player. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/davidocallaghan_munster.jpgDave O'Callaghan tackled by Duncan Jones 8/10/2011Dave O'Callaghan is a talented young player who has real potential and excellent size for a blindside ... but it's a position where Ireland have exceptional depth, and selecting so many in one squad [Ferris, McLaughlin, O'Mahony, Henderson and O'Callaghan] is a bizarre decision that smacks of patronage rather than rationality. In contrast, Kidney selected two outhalves, one of whom will turn 36 before the season is out, and managed to avoid selecting Ian Madigan for the third squad in a row [Jan 2012, May 2012, Sep 2012]. Sure why'd you select Madigan? He's only played in 32 competitive games [21 starts] for the European champions in the last 13 months and was nominated by his fellow pros as one of the three best young players in the country in a position where we obviously need to find a player quickly ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/matt-williams-tweet.pngMatt Williams TweetMatty Williams gives the begrudgers both barrels [click to embiggen]. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ryan-caldwell_mamuka-gorgodze_crop.jpgRyan Caldwell_Mamuka Gorgodze_cropRyan Caldwell breaks away from Mamuka Gorgodze in Bath's Heineken Cup clash against Montpellier. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/donnacharyan_gameface.jpgDonnacha Ryan 26/12/2009Donnacha Ryan's gameface.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ryan-caldwell_makuka-gorgodze1.jpgRyan Caldwell_Makuka GorgodzeCaldwell Gorgodzehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ryan-caldwell_makuka-gorgodze.jpgRyan Caldwell_Makuka GorgodzeCaldwell Gorgodze2012-11-29T09:20:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/11/01/the-ill-fitting-glove/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/omahony.jpgomahonyWarning: playing for Ireland may prove harmful for your career. Bizarre and unfortunately possibly true.2012-11-14T00:31:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/10/12/heineken-cup-ones-to-watch/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/fickou.jpgfickouFickou punches above his weight and is a good ball carrier. You'll hear a lot more about him in the years to come.2012-10-26T23:23:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/10/09/two-sides-of-the-coin/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/penney.jpgpenneyI'm the boss, I'm the gaffer and at the end of the day what I say goes.2012-11-09T21:42:15+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/10/07/all-hail-sur-rutchie/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mccaw.jpgmccawWhen the machines rebel and create their backrow, this guy will be the prototype. "Give me your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle."2012-10-09T12:32:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/09/30/shifting-landscape/2012-11-04T03:52:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/09/27/whats-wrong-with-the-wallabies-pt-3/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/quade-cooper_reds.jpgSuper Rugby - Queensland Reds Training Session"What should I do, God? Should I continue acting the mickey and threatening to go to league every year? If you don't answer, I'll take that as a yes."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dm-wallaby-ab-teams.pngDM - Wallaby A&B TeamsInsert text herehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/nathan-sharpe_australia.jpgNathan Sharpe_AustraliaNathan Sharpe seems curiously under-rated by quite a lot of Aussie fans. Familiarity breeds contempt and all that, but it's still difficult to understand. He's a really well-rounded second row – a good ball-carrier with excellent hands, reasonable scrummager, excellent work-rate and tackler and calls line-outs ... so where's the beef? WHERE'S THE BEEF, ROBBIE?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/kurtley-beale_court.jpgKurtley Beale_CourtKurtley Beale exits his 2012 court hearing. After some stellar displays in 2010 saw him nominated for IRB International Player of the Year, and his 2011 performances saw him awarded the John Eales Medal, 2012 has been nothing short of a disaster. He has looked overweight, unfit and two steps slow on the pitch and has run into trouble off the park through his drinking and fighting. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/willie-mason_mungo-lout.jpgWillie Mason_Mungo LoutWillie Mason, the prototypical mungo lout. I'm not saying that the Wallabies have to look at an NRL player to fill a hole, but they shouldn't be so averse to it. Players like Elsom and Palu were league players in their youth, and the Wallabies need more ball-carrying heft in their backrow. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/david-pocock.jpgDavid PocockDavid Pocock has emerged as one of the best forwards of his generation ... but no other Australian forward has come anywhere near him. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rocky-elsom_training.jpgRocky Elsom_TrainingYou wouldn't think that it's too easy to injure Rocky Elsom, but professional rugby is a brutal collision sport. Playing back-to-back SH-NH-SH seasons made Rocky a Leinster and Heineken Cup legend and Australian captain, but it also might have wrecked the latter stages of his career. 2012-10-01T02:21:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/09/25/whats-wrong-with-the-wallabies-pt-2/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ballymore-tornades-east-coast-aces-2007.jpgBallymore Tornades - East Coast Aces 2007The ballymore Tornados go up against the East Coast Aces in Brisbane in the inaugural [and last] Australian Rugby Championship in 2007. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/collingwood_hawthorn_afl.jpgCollingwood_Hawthorn_AFLCollingwood take on Hawthorn in the AFL. Sydney is big on the NRL, but Melbourne is all about the AFL. The Rebels are a bit of a hard sell, especially when they're not a particularly good team. More to the point for Australian rugby as a whole, setting up a fifth franchise when neither your third or fourth franchises are in particularly good shape is a dubious call. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/matt-giteau_force_a.jpgMatt Giteau_Force_AMatt Giteau signed a 3-year contract with the Force for $4.5m in late 2006, making him the most expensive rugby player in the world. Giteau brought world class to the Force No10 jersey and dragged them up out of the basement within his first season. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/australian-super-rugby-reps2.pngAustralian Super Rugby RepsBerrick Barnes [Waratahs], David Pocock [Force], James Horwill [Reds], James O'Connor [Rebels] and Stephen Moore [Brumbies] – a photo like this gives the impression that Australian rugby talent is distributed equally across all five franchises ... it ain't. If they showed five players from each team, you wouldn't recognise six of them wearing Force or Rebels jerseys. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/australian-super-rugby-reps1.pngAustralian Super Rugby Repshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/australian-super-rugby-reps.pngAustralian Super Rugby Repshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rod-macqueen_australia1.jpgRod Macqueen_AustraliaRod Macqueen's record marks him out as one of the greatest coaches of the professional era – World Cup, Tri-Nations, Bledisloe and Lions series, he won them all. It's impossible to overstate his influence on Australian rugby.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/joe-roff_brumbies1.jpgJoe Roff_BrumbiesSometimes people forget how good Joe Roff was, because his career directly coincided with that of Jonah Lomu, rugby's first global superstar.  But Roff was an absolutely world class back three player and played phenomenal rugby for both the Brumbies and the Wallabies, winning the World Cup, a Lions series, two Tri-Nations and two Super Rugby tournaments.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/larkham-and-gregan_australia1.jpgLarkham and Gregan_AustraliaStephen Larkham and George Gregan: both Canberra locals, and the key cogs in the success of Macqueen's [and late Eddie Jones'] Brumbies machine.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/michael-lynagh_queensland2.jpgMichael Lynagh_QueenslandMichael Lynagh was the on-field general of the excellent Queensland Reds team of the late 1980s and 1990s  that featured Tim Horan and Jason Little in the centers. For the vast majority of the twentieth century, Australian rugby union was defined by clashes between New South Wales and Queensland. The Brumbies were introduced in 1996 and changed the face of domestic rugby in the country.2012-10-01T02:02:18+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/09/24/whats-wrong-with-the-wallabies-pt-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/stephen-ferris_genia_a.jpgStephen Ferris_Genia_AIreland bossed Australia at RWC11 and the Wobs couldn't believe it. Their lack of firepower up front, and especially the shortage of forwards who have emerged from Super Rugby during Deans' stint as Wallaby head coach, was always going to be a targeted weakness. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/radike-samo_breakaway.jpgRadike Samo_breakawayRadike Samo breaks away, Dan Carter patently not interested in making a tackle. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/robbie-deans_australia.jpgRobbie Deans_AustraliaRobbie Deans, the former New Zealand international and current head coach of the Wallabies. It's all his fault, apparently ... except it isn't. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rod-macqueen_australia.jpgRod Macqueen_AustraliaRod Macqueen's record marks him out as one of the greatest coaches of the professional era. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/larkham-and-gregan_australia.jpgLarkham and Gregan_AustraliaStephen Larkham and George Gregan were the primary reason for the success of the Brumbies. That they were both Canberra locals is pretty ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/joe-roff_brumbies.jpgJoe Roff_BrumbiesSometimes people forget how good Joe Roff was, because his career coincided with that of Jonah Lomu. But Roff was an absolutely world class back three player and played phenomenal rugby for the Brumbies. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/michael-lynagh_queensland.jpgMichael Lynagh_QueenslandMichael Lynagh was the on-field general of the excellent Queensland Reds team that featured Tim Horan and Jason Little in the centers. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Australian rugby was defined by clashes between New South Wales and Queensland. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/robbie-deans_crusaders.jpgRobbie Deans_CrusadersRobbie Deans in happier times, celebrating a Crusaders' championship. The Mole is pretty sure that Deans would have won a home World Cup if he had been coach of the All Blacks in 2011, especially when you consider the standard of competition. Obviously Graham Henry won the whole thing eventually, so you can say that it was the right choice to keep him on, but everything was in his favour bar Carter's injury. 2012-09-25T06:50:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/08/03/dave-rennies-chiefs/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/chiefs_celebrate.jpgChiefs_CelebrateThe Chiefs celebrate their semi-final win over the Crusaders. They were beaten finalists in 2009, and will be looking to win their first ever Super Rugby title in front of their home fans in Waikato Stadium against the Sharks tomorrow. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dave-rennie_turbos.jpgDave Rennie_TurbosDave Rennie in his Manawatu Turbos days.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sonny-bill-williams_chiefs.jpgSonny Bill Williams_ChiefsSonny-Bill Williams has been pretty close to the best player in the world since the turn of 2012. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/aaron-cruden_chiefs.jpgAaron Cruden_ChiefsCruden has been phenomenal https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/03_08_12-sbw-chiefs-season.png03_08_12 SBW Chiefs SeasonSonny Bill Williams' attacking numbers for the Super Rugby season [click to embiggen]. The bottom row [Adjusted Average] is an approximation of his average performance in attack over the 17 games of the 2012 Super Rugby this season thus far. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sona-taumalolo_chiefs.jpgSona Taumalolo_ChiefsTaumalolo2012-09-23T18:15:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/09/17/nevin-spence-rest-in-peace/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/nevin-spence_rip.jpgNevin Spence_RIP2012-09-25T11:29:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/09/13/the-dying-days-of-the-diddymen/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/andrew-goodman_tasman.jpgAndrew Goodman_TasmanTasman's Andrew Goodman has been in fine form for his province against Taranaki and Manawatu in recent weeks. With so many three-quarters either injured or held back due to the IRFU Player Welfare protocol, Leinster could have done with him ... when he does pitch up, Gordon D'Arcy, Fergus McFadden and Brian O'Driscoll will all be available for selection [every now and then, at least] and he mightn't see that much gametime anyway. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/lukefitzgerald_vsbath.jpgLuke Fitzgerald runs in for a try 17/12/2011Luke Fitz goes in for his second try against Bath in the December 2011 Heineken Cup game in Lansdowne Road. Fitzgerald has had a horrific run of injuries, but his performances for Leinster in the 2011-12 season showed that he was on his way back to something close to his best form. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/odriscolldarcy.jpgodriscolldarcyBrian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy. They're hard as nails, frankly. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/thomasdaly_leinsterclubxvvconnacht.jpgThomas Daly and Conor McMahon 2/10/2010Thomas Daly in action for Leinster U18 Clubs back in October 2010 – he progressed with ease from the Ireland Club U18 team to Ireland U19 last season, and is already a fixture in the No12 jersey for Leinster at U20. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/shaun-berne_leinster.jpgShaun Berne_LeinsterShaun Berne crosses for his try against the Scarlets in the 2009-10 Heineken Cup pool game. Berne came into the team with Sexton out injured and ran the show, overseeing two bonus-point wins. Ian Madigan and the luckless Ian McKinley were in the Academy at that time – could they have done the same? Nah. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/noel-reid_barry-cregg.jpgNoel Reid_Barry CreggNoel Reid isn't the whippet he was leaving school: at 185cm/6'1" and 90kg/14st2lbs, he's pretty much the same size as Luke Fitzgerald. His three years in the Academy have added 10-12kg of muscle mass, and he's a far faster and stronger athlete than most would give him credit for. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/harrison-brewer-u17.jpgHarrison Brewer U17Harrison Brewer as an U17 in last season's schools interpros. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/diddymen.jpgDiddymenThe Leinster second-string backline. They're very keen on playing on tightly-mown surfaces, both so that their flashy skills and quick feet are in evidence and so that they can actually see each other. It'd be like patrolling in Vietnam if they had to play in a meadow. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/eamonn-sheridan-ian-madigan.jpgEamonn Sheridan Ian MadiganEamonn Sheridan makes a break with Ian Madigan supporting him. Sheridan is a big, big unit. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/jordan-coghlan_centre.jpgJordan Coghlan_CentreJordan Coghlan at No12 versus Northampton in Leinster's pre-season friendly [photo credit: Tom Dwyer of Sportsfile]. Coghlan is 19 years old and there are a rake of blindsides ahead of him in Leinster. 2012-09-20T06:06:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/09/11/mole-management-program/2012-09-12T06:38:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/08/18/taking-a-lead-from-ower-gehm/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sbw_faingaa.jpgSBW_FaingaaSuperstar Sonny-Bill Williams has brought some quality mungo offloading from the northern code, but that's not all that league can offer union. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/eddie-hemmings_stevo.jpgEddie Hemmings_StevoEddie Hemmings and Stevo. Likes? Ower Gehm. Dislikes? Kick and clap. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/johnathan_thurston-420x0.jpgjohnathan_thurston-420x0Johnathan Thurston of the Newcastle Knights is just about the best conductor of attacking situations in the NRL. There's a hell of a lot of biff in Ower Gehm, but there's also good decision-making, intuition and skills if you look for it. 2012-09-10T16:51:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/08/13/mad-men/2012-08-27T14:33:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/08/09/dm-hall-of-fame-inductee-3-zinzan-brooke/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/zinzan.jpgzinzanThe Complete Footballer2012-08-12T09:31:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/08/09/bronca/2012-08-09T23:08:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/07/27/our-friends-from-the-north-pt-2-roger-wilson-233-for-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/radike-samo_breakaway.jpgRadike Samo_breakawayWilson's past it at 30-years old? Check out 35-year old Radike Samo leave Adam Thomson and Richie McCaw in his wake on the way to his wünder-try against the All Blacks in last summer's Tri-Nations. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/wilson_omahony.jpgWilson_O'MahonyBosherhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/coughlan_wilson_crop.jpgCoughlan_Wilson_cropCoughlan and Wilson have gone toe-to-toe for Munster and Northampton in the Heineken Cup over the last number of seasons, and to be honest there's been little enough to choose between the pair. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/roger-wilson_northampton_b.jpgRoger Wilson_Northampton_BWodger is a wunner and a wucker. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/jamescoughlan_munster.jpgJames Coughlan 18/9/2010James 'Germany' Caughlan: https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/john-muldoon_connacht_rain.jpgJohn Muldoon_Connacht_rainAn iconic image of an iconic Connacht player. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/roger-wilson_ireland_crop.jpgRoger Wilson_Ireland_cropWilson in his sole test appearance – Ireland vs Japan, First Test, June 2005.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/roger-wilson_ulster-a.jpgRoger Wilson_Ulster ARoger Wilson returnshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/denis-leamy_vs-italt.jpgDenis Leamy_vs ItaltDenis Leamy's form in the 2006 and 2007 Six Nations fully justified O'Sullivan's selection – he played the best test rugby of his career in those two tournaments.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/victor-costello_vs-france.jpgVictor Costello_vs FranceVictor Costello started on the blindside with Anthony Foley at No8 in the 15-12 win over France during the 2003 Six Nations. However, by RWC03 it was back to an either/or situation.2012-08-15T16:02:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/07/25/our-friends-from-the-north-pt-1-chris-henrys-coming-to-dinner/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/conor-murray.jpgConor-MurrayConor Murray gets the ball away for Ireland https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/chris-henry_wolfhounds.jpgChris Henry_WolfhoundsChris Henry Wolfhoundshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/chris-henry_ulster-c.jpgChris Henry_Ulster CChris Henry predicts the number of minutes he'll get off the bench for Ireland next season with an eight game fixture list. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kidney-osullivan-table.pngKidney OSullivan TableThe three Irish selections that faced Wales in 2007 and 2008 under Eddie O'Sullivan and 2009 under Declan Kidney [click to embiggen]. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kidney_bradley_osullivan-table.pngKidney_Bradley_OSullivan Tablehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/wynand-olivier_powerade.jpgWynand Olivier_PoweradeWynand Olivier: Percy Montgomery's hair: check. Percy Montgomery's talent: let's leave that box unticked.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/babe-ruth-calls-his-shot-02.jpgbabe-ruth-calls-his-shot-02"That guy in the stands is going to get 70+ caps."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/johnhayes_ireland.jpgJohnHayes_irelandThe Cappamore Colossus, John Hayes. Everyone gets to the end of their career at some stage, and 37 years old is a hell of an age to be playing international rugby. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/chris-henry_ulster_a.jpgChris Henry_Ulster_AChris Henry's yellow card against Munster in the HEC quarter-final probably stopped him winning the Man of the Match award, but he was the most influential player on the pitch in The Mole's view. It's pretty incredible that the only international rugby that he saw was the last 26 minutes of the last game of a 17 test season. 2012-11-05T16:14:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/07/18/the-big-46-sic-pt-2-then-everything-is-wrapped-up-in-a-neat-little-package/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/isaacboss_scrum_irelandvrussiarwc11.jpgIsaac Boss 25/9/2011Isaac Boss in his sole start of the 2011-12 season, the RWC11 game against Russia in late September. This image sort of sums up the whole article – out of a 17 test season, Boss started one game and came off the bench in another one for less than 90 total minutes of rugby. He was more than capable of playing at the standard of the teams he faced [Scotland in early August, Russia in late September]. He's played for Ireland in two World Cups, and has faced NZ, Australia, South Africa, France and England in his fifteen test career ... is he one of the 46/47 who's a 'test standard player', or isn't he?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/marcus-horan_john-hayes2.jpgMarcus Horan_John HayesThe rare oul' stock: Marcus Horan and John Hayes have over 170 test caps between them, but both were long past their best by the time the RWC11 circus rolled into town. It should have been ball-achingly clear to the coaching team that Horan and Hayes were never going to be able to contribute to the World Cup squad, and maybe it was: maybe they were just getting a run out as stay-at-home injury cover, or maybe even as a way of saying thanks for the effort they had put in during training camp.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/brad-thorn_stephen-ferris1.jpgBrad Thorn_Stephen FerrisBrad Thorn tackles Stephen Ferris in the Heineken Cup Final. Of course it shouldn't go unmentioned that this sort of collision can't compare with the impact of a collision that you'd see in a test match between Italy and Scotland. Because that would be in test rugby, which is always a big step up. 2012-07-25T22:24:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/07/17/the-big-46-sic-pt-1-im-alright-youre-alright/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/jamie_roberts_plows-a-furrow.jpgjamie_roberts_plows a furrowJamie Roberts plows a furrow through the Irish midfield in the RWC11 quarter-final. Take the Big Bopper out of the Welsh line-up and a whole heap of their attacking threat goes up in smoke.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/marcus-horan_john-hayes1.jpgMarcus Horan_John HayesThe rare oul' stock: Marcus Horan and John Hayes have over 170 test caps between them, but both were long past their best by the time the RWC11 circus rolled into town. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/marcus-horan_john-hayes.jpgMarcus Horan_John Hayeshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/brad-thorn_stephen-ferris.jpgBrad Thorn_Stephen FerrisBrad Thorn tackles Stephen Ferris in the Heineken Cup Final. Of course, it's not test match rugby, so it could never come close to the intensity of a Scotland vs Italy game. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/scelzo_ledesma_roncero.jpgScelzo_Ledesma_RonceroMartin Scelzo, Mario Ledesman and Rodrigo Roncero: they've seen eleven World Cup tournaments between them. Despite the calibre of their replacements in terms of ability on the field, those lads have left a gaping hole in the Pumas side. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/crap-boks-werner-kruger_alistair-hargreaves_gerhard-monstert.jpgCrap Boks - Werner Kruger_Alistair Hargreaves_Gerhard MonstertName the Boks! These three likely lads started for South Africa against the All Blacks in the 2011 Tri-Nations. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/johnhayes_ireland1.jpgJohnHayes_irelandThe Cappamore Colossus, John Hayes. Everyone gets to the end of their career at some stage, and 37 years old is a hell of an age to be playing international rugby.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/wynand-olivier_powerade1.jpgWynand Olivier_PoweradeWynand "Because I'm Worth It" Oliver: Percy Montgomery's hair? Check. Percy Montgomery's talent? Let's leave that box unchecked. Great hair though.2012-07-19T13:33:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/07/14/losing-your-linchpin/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/linchpin-succession-table.pnglinchpin succession tableSuccession table [click to embiggen]. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/heaslip_linchpin_missing.jpgHeaslip_Linchpin_MissingMissinghttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/heaslip_mccaw_widescreen.jpgNew Zealand All Blacks' McCaw tries to beat Ireland's Sexton and Heaslip during their rugby test match in ChristchurchHeaslip and McCaw in Christchurchhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jamie-heaslip_ireland.jpgJamie Heaslip_IrelandHeasliphttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ferris-heaslip-obrien_italy.jpgFerris Heaslip O'Brien_ItalySomething something somethinghttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/linchpin_heaslip.jpgLinchpin_HeaslipDoes nhnhnhnhnhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/welsh-squad-list-nov-10-sep-111.pngWelsh Squad List Nov 10 - Sep 11Welsh Squads from the November 2010 Series [left] and RWC11 [right] - click to magnify. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/welsh-squad-list-nov-10-sep-11.pngWelsh Squad List Nov 10 - Sep 11Welsh squad changes between November 2010 and August 2011 [click to embiggen]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/linchpin-player-succession.pngLinchpin Player SuccessionShort-term and medium term replacements2012-07-23T12:32:33+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/07/09/overlooking-their-oversight-role-the-provinces-the-pcrg/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/euraud-chart.pngeuraud chartThe single currency uncannily mirrors Declan Kidney's stock as an international coach. Cause or correlation?2016-03-14T22:45:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/07/07/out-of-the-west/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/carr_connacht.jpgcarr_connachtWest Coast/East Coast - ol' skool2012-07-09T16:49:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/29/joe-duffy-on-speed-dial/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/joe-schmidt_jonny-sexton.jpgJoe Schmidt_Jonny SextonJoe Schmidt and his 'lost dressing room'. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mike-ruddock_wales.jpgMike Ruddock_WalesMike Ruddock has a massive amount of coaching experience – Leinster, NGD, Wales, Worcester Warriors and Irish U20s. He hasn't had sustained success everywhere he has been, but he's been to the top of the NH mountain, winning a Grand Slam with Wales in 2005. Maybe he's not a long-term solution, but everything points to Ireland needing chance at the top. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/eddie-osullivan_ireland.jpgEddie OSullivan_IrelandOnce the results started going against him, it wasn't long until the media turned on The Dagger in full force. It's a startling contrast to how Declan Kidney is being treated, with everything from foreign players to lack of IRFU funds to the lack of a national training centre to an understrength Connacht being wheeled out as the forces behind a third poor season in a row at test level.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ireland_disconsolate.jpgIreland_disconsolateIreland leave the Hamilton pitch after a 60-0 drubbing. Deccie's still looking forward to the fourth test, though!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/lairy-bakkies.jpgLairy BakkiesO'Sullivan's take was always that Munster had a mighty pack at provincial level, but there were ordinary enough when it came to provincial level; while O'Connell stands comparison to Victor Matfield, Donncha was no Bakkies. Anyway, his style of game always emphasized getting the forwards to do the work and putting the ball in the hands of talented backs. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/joe_duffy.jpgJoe_Duffy2012-07-04T15:13:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/27/the-blame-game/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/buck_stops_here.jpgbuck_stops_hereAh, the blame game sucks. Let's play Hungry, Hungry Hippoes!2012-06-30T12:55:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/22/porternpotatoes/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kirwan.jpgkirwanHey Kirwan, call yourself the best winger in the world?2012-06-27T09:37:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/22/match-preview-ireland-vs-new-zealand-hamilton/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/all-blacks-ireland_haka.jpgRugby - Ireland v All Blacks, Dublin, 20 November 2010https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/brad-thorn-jerome-kaino_abs.jpgBrad Thorn & Jerome Kaino_ABsIt's pretty much impossible to replace players of the calibre of Brad Thorn and Jerome Kaino, especially in the short term. The All Blacks pack lacks the steel that these players brought, and with Kieran Read out and Mealamu on the bench, only four of the forwards who started the RWC11 final will start against Ireland: Woodcock, Franks, Whitelock and McCaw.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/keith-earls_ireland.jpgkeith-earls_IrelandKeith Earls will add an edge which Ireland didn't really possess in attack in the second test. Earls' time in the centre has added to his game in terms of passing and awareness of supporting players, and Ireland will be hoping that he can get off his wing and on the ball. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/waikato-stadium.jpgwaikato-stadiumWaikato Stadium, home of the Chiefs and the venue for the third test.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/liam-messam_abs.jpgLiam Messam_ABsLiam Messam will be the third All Black to wear the No6 jersey in the last three tests. Neither Victor Vito nor Adam Thompson have made a particularly strong claim to the jersey vacated by Jerome Kaino, so this game has particular significance for the Chiefs captain in terms of his All Black future. 2012-06-22T15:02:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/19/match-reaction-3-another-one-for-the-reel-of-infamy/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/andy-dufresne_rita-hayworth.jpgandy dufresne_rita hayworthDufresne and lovely Rita – there's always reasons to bleat about the referee when you lose a close game. 'The referee fucked us. Didn't you see it?"https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rita-hayworth.jpgRita Hayworth2012-06-22T22:57:08+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/18/match-reaction-2-absent-friends/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/oconnell-heaslip-comparison_c.pngO'Connell & Heaslip Comparison_CIrish matches from the 2011-12 season in which O'Connell and/or Heaslip have startedhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/oconnell-heaslip-stats_b.pngO'Connell & Heaslip Stats_BIreland's 2011-12 season games in which Paul O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip has started. While the stats for Heaslip's performance against Russia might be very eye-catching, they're more or less irrelevant. The Mole feels that it's more relevant to look at how many games the two players played together in which O'Connell got on the ball more often. Why do Ireland want their second row handling the ball more often than their No8?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/oconnell-heaslip_ireland.jpgO'Connell & Heaslip_IrelandO'Connell and Heaslip 2012-06-19T20:13:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/18/new-zealand-22-19-ireland-match-reaction-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mcfadden_tuohy_-vs-abs.jpgMcFadden_Tuohy_ vs ABsIreland's tempo and intensity was where it needed to be, but the team didn't show much cutting edge out wide. There's room for improvement as to how we play once we have the ball. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/gordon-darcy_ireland.jpgGordon D'Arcy_IrelandD'Arcy https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/digby-ioane_australia.jpgDigby Ioane_AustraliaIoane was Australia's most potent weapon in attack, so they made sure he got the ball a lot. Simple old game. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/paddy-wallace.jpgpaddy-wallaceOn the back of some of the best provincial form of his career, Wallace couldn't make the initial squad. He has been flown out as a late replacement for Gordon D'Arcy, but who knows if he'll start the last test? https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rob-kearney_breakaway_a.jpgRob Kearney_breakaway_ARob Kearney hasn't been much of an attacking threat in this series. Ireland need to find a way to get him the ball, because with no Tommy Bowe or Keith Earls, our outside backs don't pose much of a threat. 2012-06-19T19:52:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/17/match-reaction-australia-25-23-wales/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/berrick-barnes_australia.jpgBerrick Barnes_AustraliaBarnes skins Warburtonhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/gethin-jenkins_wales.jpgGethin Jenkins_WalesGethin Jenkins has played four tests against the Wallabies this season and lost every one of them.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jamie_roberts_plows-a-furrow.jpgjamie_roberts_plows a furrowhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/matthew-rees_wales.jpgMatthew Rees_WalesKeep practicing https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wales-vs-australia-loss.jpgWales vs Australia LossWales loss2012-06-18T21:48:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/15/irish-women-know-no-limits/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/claire-molloy.jpgClaire MolloyIrish captain Claire Molloy2012-06-16T19:42:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/13/corporate-governance/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/conor-oshea_caesar.jpgConor O'Shea_CaesarConor O'Shea has done an exceptional job in a short period of time with Harlequins. He has made his living over in the UK for a long time, and recently recommitted to the Premiership champions ... the IRFU might want him, but would he really want the job? https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/joe-schmidt_nod-wink.jpgJoe-Schmidt_Nod & WinkHe'd never admit it, but Joe Schmidt is Leinster's MVP – Jonny Sexton, Brian O'Driscoll, Leo Cullen and Rob Kearney included. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/dave-clark-sc.jpgDave Clark - S&CDave Clark, the IRFU's new Head of Fitness. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/bjbotha_munster_a.jpgBJ Botha 17/9/2011BJ Botha, Munster tighthead and apparently somebody who's hurting Irish rugby. From what The Mole has seen, Stephen Archer isn't anywhere near test level, and he's the second best tighthead in Munster. Botha isn't holding anybody back ... in fact, he's probably doing a great deal to aid the development of Kilcoyne, Ryan and Archer. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/irish-u20s-celebrate-beating-boks.jpgIrish U20s celebrate beating BoksThe Irish U20s celebrating beating the South African U20s. Ireland were in front for pretty much the entire game, led well at halftime and were worthy winners against their hosts ... and this is an Irish team missing three players who started every game of the U20 Six Nations in Kyle McCall, Paddy Jackson and Shane Layden. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/robert-kraft_tom-brady.jpgRobert Kraft_Tom Bradyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ireland-celebration.jpgIreland-CelebrationIrish players celebrate their win over Australia in the group stages of RWC11. It was the first Irish test win over a southern hemisphere side below the equator in over thirty years, and it came in a tournament setting in which both sides were set-up to win and on equal terms. 2012-06-15T06:35:54+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/11/match-reaction-new-zealand-42-10-ireland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/dan-carter_nz.jpgNew Zealand v IrelandThis was Dan Carter's first game back for the All Blacks since limping out of the World Cup. Well, he's still the best outhalf in the world ... by a fucking mile. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/sean-obrien_hika-elliot.jpgSean O'Brien_Hika ElliotSean O'Brien put in a monster effort in the No7 jersey, but to my mind his more natural game comes with the freedom from breakdown duties that the No6 jersey allows. Chris Henry had a big season for Ulster after a two year openside apprenticeship, and should be allowed have a rattle against Richie McCaw. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/cian-healy_dumper.jpgCian Healy_dumperCian Healy gets physical with Sonny-Bill Williams. The Leinster loosehead had a strong game and, in The Mole's estimation, was the best prop on the pitch. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/fergus-mcfadden_ireland.jpgFergus McFadden_IrelandAs highlighted in the preview, McFadden go the bogey prize of marking Julian Savea. He managed to bag a try off a turnover, but it was a bad day at the office that will probably see the Leinster utility back on the bench for the next test. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/conrad-smith_nz.jpgConrad Smith_NZConrad Smith in the November 2010 test match at Lansdowne Road. Anybody who enjoys rugby likes watching Conrad Smith play – he might be the smartest outside back of the professional era. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/israel-dagg_brian-odriscoll.jpgNew Zealand v IrelandIsrael Dagg didn't bag a hat-trick of tries, but he was just as damaging to Irish hopes2012-06-14T12:33:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/09/mr-plow-award-for-outstanding-achievement-in-the-field-of-excellence-scrummaging/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/steenkamp-mrplow.jpgsteenkamp-mrplow2012-06-12T06:11:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/08/match-preview-new-zealand-vs-ireland-first-test/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/brianodriscoll2_sonnybillwilliams_irelandvnewzealandnov10.jpgBrian O'Driscoll runs at Sonny Bill Williams 20/11/2010https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/simon-zebo_ireland.jpgSimon Zebo_IrelandSimon Zebo has been in outstanding try-scoring form for Munster, and will look to effortlessly make the jump up to test-match level. C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E ... that's the way you spell success. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/sonny-bill-williams_chiefs.jpgSonny Bill Williams_ChiefsSuperstar Sunny-Bull Wull-yums in trademark pose, getting a one-handed offload away for the Chiefs against the Hurricanes. The ex-Northern Code international is in outstanding form ... but it's just the sort of challenge that Brian O'Driscoll will relish. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/owen-franks_snatch.jpgOwen Franks_SnatchOwen Franks jumps under a heavy snatch in Crossfit Olympic Lifting Coach Mike Burgener's garage gym in California. The Franks brothers have made several trips across to America to improve their lifting techniques, and have hired former NFL S&C coaches – out of their own pockets – to come and train them in New Zealand. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/donnacha-ryan_ireland-rain.jpgryanIreland need a big game from Donnacha Ryan in the second row ... and all over the pitch. For the first time in his career, Ryan will be the senior partner in the engine room, and has a wide array of things to focus on: calling lineouts, receiving kickoffs and scrummaging with a new partner. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/richie-mccaw_all-blacks.jpgRichie McCaw_All BlacksRichie McCaw is pretty much unplayable: even with a broken foot, he was outstanding in the World Cup. On two feet? Forget about it. What a player!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/dan-carter_vs-ireland.jpgDan Carter_vs IrelandDan Carter skins some Irish forwards in November 2008. Carter's peripheral vision is second to none – he can see the weak points in the opposition's defense, and he has the personal skillset to exploit them/ 2012-06-09T11:01:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/06/the-man-who-fell-to-earth/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jeremy-staunton_goalkick.jpgJeremy Staunton_goalkickJeremy Staunton: not only could he have been a contender, he should have been one. How Irish rugby failed one of the most talented players of his generation is still beyond me. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jeremy_staunton_leicester-change.jpgJeremy_Staunton_Leicester ChangeStaunton goal-kicking for Leicester: as soon as he left Munster, fullback was forgotten and it was back to outhalf for him. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/killian-keane-dev-xv-vs-samoa-nov-2001.jpgKillian Keane Dev XV vs Samoa Nov 2001Killian Keane on Irish duty for the Development XV that faced Samoa in November 2001 in Donnybrook. He had been capped in 1998 and had already turned 30 years old by the time of the Samoa game ... a little late for development. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/dominic-crotty_munster_a.jpgDominic Crotty_Munster_aDominic Crotty was Declan Kidney's preferred choice at fullback for Munster, and started the 2002 Heineken Cup final against Leicester in the No15 jersey. Crotty was capped for Ireland four times in the 1996-97 season, and briefly recalled for a game against Canada in 2000. He was 27 years old at the time of the 2002 final, and Staunton was just 21. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rob-henderson_munster_1.jpgrob henderson_munster_1Hendo in his Munster days. He formed an outstanding partnership with Brian O'Driscoll for the 2001 Lions and should have been at his peak at 28/29 years old when he signed for Munster for the 2001-02 season. However, he barely got on the pitch over the next two years. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/staunton_corry_wasps.jpgStaunton_Corry_WaspsStaunton gives Leicester, England and Lions back rower Martin Corry a big fend and tries to get away for Wasps in a high-intensity Premiership encounter. "I've never experienced anything like this league," he'd say in an Independent interview. "Every week there's a massive game."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jeremy_staunton_vs-argentina.jpgjeremy_staunton_vs ArgentinaStaunton takes an offload from Gavin Duffy in the June 2007 game against Argentina in Velez Sarsfield. This was his last game for Ireland, and they were held scoreless. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jeremy_staunton_ireland-a.jpgjeremy_staunton_Ireland AStaunton in action for Ireland 'A' versus England 'A' – this was back in the days when the Irish Wolfhounds were an invitational side equivalent to the Barbarians and the Saxons were a confederation of German tribes on the north German plains. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/staunton_neath.jpgJeremy Staunton, the Munster fullback is tackled by Alfie Mocelutu and Andy MooreStaunton tries to break free against Neath in the 2003 Celtic League Final. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jasonholland_munster_1.jpgjasonholland_munster_1Jason 'Dutchy' Holland was a rugged, clever footballer who had sharp basics and some real physicality for a guy who wasn't a big beast of a player. He could fill in at No10, but was more comfortable as a No12, and was an ideal minder for ROG in the early days of the young out half's career. 2013-04-25T16:18:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/05/match-reaction-south-africa-u20s-19-23-ireland-u20s/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ireland-u20s-win.jpgIreland U20s WinThe Irish U20s celebrate a cracking opening day win over hosts South Africa. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/niallscannell_ireland-u20.jpgNiall Scannell 3/2/2012Niall Scannell played a hell of a game ... and then talked a good game too! His post-match interview was composed, informative and gracious, which is a real rarity for lads his age. Just like Hanrahan wouldn't have worn the No10 jersey if Jackson hadn't been present, Scannell wouldn't have been captain – but he looked and sounded as if he had been leading this team all year. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/chris-farrell_ireland-u20s.jpg2011 U18 Justin Bridou European Championship - Elite Group Semi FinalsChris Farrell is an enormous unit for a centre at over 194cm [6'5"], and while he might take a little more time to grow into his frame, he showed that he's got a bit of football to go with the height – a second half grubber that sliced through the South African defense for a significant territorial gain was a real surprise, and while his passing wasn't immaculate, it wasn't all that bad either. With another year at this level next season, he'll be a player on whom to keep a close eye. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jjhanrahan_ireland_u20s.jpgJJ Hanrahan 4/6/2012Hanrahan had a couple of stray kicks early in the game, but once he was in it, he took over. Conversions from either touchline, long kicks that turned the Springbok pack towards their own goal-line, midfield breaks, good decisions when he had the ball ... it was an exceptional performance from the Kerry man. 2012-06-09T07:09:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/04/u-mad-bro/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/declan-kidney_mad.jpgDeclan Kidney_Madhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/fionn-carr_connacht.jpgFionn Carr_Connacht"Sorry Fionn, I only give cheap caps to Munster players. You know how it is." "But Deccie –" "Alright, off you go. We know what you can do."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ianmadigan_placekick.jpgIan Madigan 2/3/2012Ian Madigan, obviously lining up a placekick for somebody else to take. No, it was actually the game in which he knocked over 17 points against Aironi. The Mole has read the argument that asks who we'd want on the pitch for a kick at goal to win the game versus the All Blacks in the last minute ... please. When have we ever been in that scenario against New Zealand? You might as well ask who we want to pile on the points when we're leading by fifteen points with two minutes to play. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/paul-marhsall_ulster.jpgPaul Marshall_UlsterPaul Marshall – can he get the job done as a change-of-pace scrum-half at international level? Maybe he can, maybe he can't ... but it's a better idea to test the theory rather than just rubbish it out of hand. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/davekilcoyne_munster.jpgDave Kilcoyne 21/1/2011The Mole was impressed with Dave Kilcoyne for Munster 'A' in the cracking semi-final against Leinster 'A' at the RDS on Good Friday. Does that mean he should be in contention for an Ireland cap? No. Is that even a serious question? He's only made one Pro12 start in his entire career! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/donncha-ocallaghan_munster.jpgDonncha-O'callaghan_MunsterDonncha O'Callaghan - lovely fellah, shame about the form. When certain players keep on getting selected late in their careers when they're clearly not performing, the fans can get very tetchy and the criticism pointed. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/leinster_2012.jpgLeinster_2012Leinster have been widely hailed as the best club team in the history of professional European rugby. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/heinekencup1112launch_provinces.jpgJohan Muller, Paul O'Connell, Leo Cullen and John Muldoon 1/11/2011The four provincial captains with the Heineken Cup outside the National Conference Centre. That's four very big men right there ... but posing in runners? It turns a two-metre tall international into the gawky lamper of a kid who forgot his boots on the day the school XV photos were being taken. 2012-06-06T15:20:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/02/5-up-2012-jwc-edition/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/luke-mcgrath_ireland-u18_a.jpgLuke McGrath_Ireland U18_ALuke McGrath gets the ball away under pressure for Ireland U18s against England U18s last season. McGrath has another season at U20 next year and looks like he has the game-management and decision-making skills to be a genuine international prospect at senior level with another couple of seasons under his belt. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jj-hanrahan_ireland-u20s.jpgJJ Hanrahan_Ireland U20sHanrahan sniffed the gap and then scorched through it to set up Ireland's only try against Wales in the U20 Six Nations opener. What the photo doesn't show is the beautifully weighted pass he threw for Shane Layden to score. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/tadhg-furlong_ireland-u20s.jpgTadhg Furlong_Ireland U20sTadhg Furlong: the New Ross and Leinster Academy prospect missed a lot of the season recovering from injury, but is back in the saddle for the Ireland U20s. Head on the chopping block: he'll be Ireland's starting tighthead at RWC15. 2012-06-05T08:37:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/01/gnomic/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declan-kidney_magic.jpgDeclan-Kidney_Magichttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/papa_lazarou.jpgpapa_lazarouHello Dave. Kidney's motivational mind-games seem to have reached the extent of their powers, although on the back of an extremely poor warm-up series he took an Irish team down to the World Cup in New Zealand and beat the Tri-Nations champions Australia. Is his voodoo potent enough to conjure a win against the world champion All Blacks? Nah.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/radge-copy.jpgRADGE! copyIt's Radge time, baby! Open your notebooks and turn on your dictaphones, here comes self-promotion masquerading as 'honesty'.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rob-kearney_lions.jpgSouth Africa v British & Irish Lions - 1st TestRob Kearney did the business for the Lions in 2009, and he was Ireland's best player in the 2008 Summer Tour to New Zealand and Australia. After a spending a season out due to injury, he has come back like Crazy Joe Gallo – all guns blazing. His duel with Israel Dagg over the next month will be worth the price of admission alone. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declan-kidney-006.jpgDeclan-Kidney-006Declan Kidney rarely gives anything away in interviews with either the Irish or the foreign media. Being inscrutable has its advantages, but it also means that the Irish rugby public have little idea of how the coach is trying to get his team to play, why certain players are in or out of favour and how small factors affect results. He gives the people whom he's supposed to be representing – Irish rugby fans – pretty much no information about the team that's going out on the pitch on their behalf. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/nathanhines_lions.jpgNathan Hines 3/6/2009Nathan Hines has gone on record as saying that the Leinster vs Toulouse HEC semi-final of 2011 was the toughest game he ever played. Stephen Ferris, another big beast, said that the 2009 Six Nations match against England was the most physically exhausting game he'd ever played. That suggests that there's no clear consensus that test rugby is automatically tougher than high-stakes club rugby ... nor the other way around. 2013-02-11T22:15:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/06/01/baabaas-vs-ireland-xv-highlights/2012-06-01T15:17:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/29/munsters-slide-rock-bottom-or-ready-to-relapse/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/munster_liberty-stadium.jpgMunster_Liberty StadiumMick O'Driscoll leads his team off the pitch at the Liberty Stadium. Munster had just suffered their worst defeat in eight years in his last game for the province he represented more than two hundred times. He deserved better. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ronan-ogara_munster_a.jpgRonan O'Gara_Munster_AROG – if he's playing like he did before Christmas, picking him is a no-brainer. If he's playing like he did after Christmas, selection becomes a serious issue.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tomc3a1s-oleary-_injury.jpgTomás O'Leary _InjuryTomás O'Leary is stretchered off after breaking his ankle against Llanelli in late April 2009. The injury meant that he missed the Lions tour to South Africa, and he has rarely shown his best form since. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/davefoley_munster.jpgDave Foley 21/1/2011Dave Foley is by many accounts a cracking second row prospect, but at 24 years old he needs to start making the move from 'prospect' to 'contender'.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/jerry-flannery_ireland.jpgJerry Flannery_irelandIt's difficult to know whether Jerry Flannery's efforts in the weight-room partially contributed to his recurring calf injuries. In contrast to a naturally massive man like John Hayes, Flannery built a huge amount of muscle in the gym.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/paul-oconnell_overhead-squad.jpgPaul O'Connell_Overhead SquadSure, it's not a whole heap of weight – but you don't get perfect overhead squat form unless you spend a hell of a lot of time in the weight room. O'Connell is one of the premier athletes in Irish rugby, but while he used to be surrounded by comparable animals in the Munster pack, he's out on his own now. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rob-penney_canterbury.jpgRob Penney Appointed Head Coach of Munster 2/5/2012Rob Penney has xxxhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/munster_2000-final.jpgMunster_2000 finalMunster have a hell of a history in the Heineken Cup, but they aren't all good memories. They had to lose two finals before they won their first.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/felix_jones_munster-injured.jpgFelix_Jones_Munster-injuredFelix 'Calamity' Jones will miss the Ireland tour to New Zealand with another serious injury - this time it's surgery on the shoulder injury he picked up in the build-up to the Pro12 semi-final. Maybe he's not built for pro rugby, maybe he has been unlucky or maybe he's the victim of poor strength and conditioning advice ... whatever it is, he's always injured. If he's the poster-boy for interprovincial movement, he's not really going to inspire too many to take the chance. The bottom line is that things haven't worked out that well. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hanno-dirksen_ospreys.jpgHanno Dirksen_OspreysDirksen is picture perfect as he dives over for one of the Ospreys' five tries against Munster in the semi-final. The phrase 'end of an era' has been bandied about Munster rugby for at least two seasons – maybe even three – and another loss is just another loss ... but a knock-out defeat like that is one that should stick in the craw for a long time. 2012-05-30T12:35:23+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/24/hard-core-welsh/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andrew-bishop_ospreys_a.jpgAndrew Bishop_Ospreys_AThe current Ospreys backline aren't exactly "no-stats superstars" – Shane Williams has scored 58 international tries and Dan Biggar has kicked 300 points this season – but they're a long way from the Galacticos of Phillips, Hook, Henson and Byrne.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rhys-webb_ospreys.jpgRhys Webb_OspreysRhys Webb played against Munster three times this season and scored in every game. The 23-year old has been capped once for Wales, but there's a bit of a queue forming behind Mike Phillips and the Lions shoo-in isn't going anywhere fast.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ashley-beck_ospreys.jpgAshley Beck_OspreysAshley Beck is a rangier player than the Big Bopper Jamie Roberts – he weighs about 10kg less and doesn't have the sheer power of Dr Bump. However, he has runs very clever lines and is a well-rounded distributor ... if Andrew Bishop is a cut-price Conrad Smith, Beck might just be a bargain Will Greenwood.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dan-biggar_ospreys.jpgDan Biggar_OspreysDan Biggar belts over his millionth point. The Mole saw him kick a penalty from the about a metre inside the touchline on the halfway against Leinster in the RDS, either last season or the one before – one of the three or four best kicks I've ever seen. HE'S GOT THE MEGABOOT ON TODAY, SMUDDY!2012-05-24T16:29:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/22/ulster-a-season-at-the-brink-or-a-place-at-the-top-table/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/stephenferris_ulster-ears.jpgStephenFerris_Ulster Ears"Stand Up For The Ulstermen" rings out and Stephen Ferris is all ears. Having had a taste of Heineken Cup knock-out rugby over the last two seasons, Ulster will be looking to get to the top of the mountain next season. Do they have what it takes?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/paddymcallister_ulster.jpgPaddy McAllister 29/10/2011Paddy McAllister is a young loosehead prop with prototypical size and international potential. Ulster fans will be looking for him to put forward a serious challenge to Tom Court's starting position in Heineken Cup games next season.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dan-tuohy_simon-zebo.jpgDan Tuohy_Simon ZeboBig Dan Tuohy has been banging on the door for Ireland selection all season, and finally got the call yesterday. He put in a huge, 2000+ minute season for Ulster and while his try in the final was ultimately a consolation effort, it was a fitting reward for the work he has put in for the province.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/stephen_ferris_ulster.jpgStephen_Ferris_UlsterStephen Ferris is a complete and utter monster, and his nomination for ERC European Player of the Year was well deserved. The state of his knees is a huge concern, because there's a lot of serious rugby to be played over the next twelve months. Who knows how he's going to hold up, or what can be done to help him hold up?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/paddyjackson_ulster.jpgPaddy Jackson runs in to score a try 25/9/2011Paddy Jackson still has a long way to go to be a top class outhalf in terms of European competition. There are some serious artillery pieces out there – Sexton, O'Gara, Wilkinson, Evans, Trinh-Duc, Beauxis, McAlister, Flood, Priestland, Hook – and that's before you get to the guys his age who are already getting the job done, No10s like Duncan Weir [Glasgow], George Ford [Leicester] and Owen Farrell [Saracens]. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/nevinspence_ulster.jpgUlster v ViadanaHaving depth means having to leave good players on the bench. A one-two punch of Darren Cave [25] and Nevin Spence [22] in the No13 jersey means good competition and a great age profile.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tommy-bowe_ulster.jpgTommy Bowe_UlsterTommy Bowe scored 34 tries in 91 games in his first stint at Ulster, and since then he's been the Six Nations Player of the Tournament , the IRUPA Players' Player of the Year, the Welsh Player of the Year, a two-position test Lion and this season's top try-scorer in the Six Nations. His return to Ulster is a huge coup for the province. 2012-05-25T16:15:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/21/heineken-cup-final-reaction-1-mlearned-friends-of-the-bench/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/sean-cronin_final.jpgSean Cronin runs in Leinster's final tryCronin scoots in on eighty minutes for the fifth Leinster try. While it must have been hard to take for Ulster fans, Leinster fans will be happy that the team played for the full eighty minutes and kept scoring until the final whistlehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/johncooney_leinster.jpgJon Cooney gets the ball away 2/9/2011John Cooney made the debut from hell against the Ospreys in the first game of the season, but those few minutes off the bench in the Heineken Cup final must have done a hell of a lot to rescue his season. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ianmadiganleidrasb.jpgIanMadiganLeiDraSBMadigan came off the bench with seven minutes to go and the game more or less in the bag, but he was instrumental in the last two tries. He has improved a huge about this year, and fully deserved his IRUPA Young Player of the Year nomination. It's a pity that he's not part of the Irish touring party to New Zealand because the potential match-up against Arron Cruden would have been bloody enjoyable to watch!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/declanfitzpatrick_ulster.jpgDeclan Fitzpatrick 16/8/2011Declan Fitzpatrick is more a technician rather than an athlete – and that's okay: so is Mike Ross. If you want to bring a prop off the bench who can run around but can't scrummage, the opposition pack will have a go at you in the set-piece. However, the gap had widened by the time he came on, and set-piece solidity wasn't going to make up two converted tries.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/sean-cronin_montpellier.jpgLeinster's Sean Cronin scores a try on NSean Cronin scored after coming off the bench at the end of Leinster's first game of the competition against Montpellier, and he scored after coming off the bench at the end of their last game against Ulster. Having a player of his quality and explosive pace in the front row – and keeping him fresh and on the bench for the first hour – has caused a number of opposition teams big problems in the endgame. 2012-06-24T08:20:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/21/approach-shot/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/declan_kidney_press-release.jpgdeclan_kidney_press release2012-05-22T14:56:50+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/19/the-fingers-of-the-red-hand/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chris-henry_ulster_a.jpgChris Henry_Ulster_AChris Henry has successfully reinvented himself as an openside and turned himself into a more vital player for Ulster than he was in his favoured position. Fair play!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/paddy-wallace-rwc11.jpgPaddy Wallace RWC11Paddy Wallace – takes a lickin' and just keeps tickin'. He's even more important to Ulster with young Paddy Jackson at No10, giving the talented nipper a second distributor and kicker one out. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/stefan-terblanche_ulster.jpgStefan Terblanche_UlsterStefan Terblanche – he lacks the pace that he showed on his Springbok debut fourteen years ago, but he uses all those years of experience to make sure that he's never put in a position where it's put to the test. 2012-05-19T13:04:59+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/19/heineken-cup-final-preview-leinster-vs-ulster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/leinster-vs-glasgow_2.gifLeinster vs Ulster_2https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/leinster-vs-glasgow.jpgLeinster vs GlasgowEoin Reddan tries to shrug off Chris Cussiter in the Pro12 semi-final. Ruan Pienaar might have had to shrug of dissatisfaction with his holiday reading, or possibly boredom. First world problems, Ruan. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/heinke-van-der-merwe_lions.jpgHeinke-van-der-Merwe_LionsHeinke van der Merwe in his days with the Lions ... as a 23 year old. Beast. He's got one Springbok cap, as has Munster loosehead Wian du Preez: The Mole knows which one he'd want in his front row, and it's the one with more initials every time. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chris-henry_ulster.jpgChris Henry_UlsterChris Henry is getting a lot of press from Leinster players ... a clear indicator that they want the ref to keep an eye on him at the breakdown. Henry is a huge upgrade at openside over Willie Faloon, but The Mole doesn't think that he's in the class of Warburton or Tipuric as an openside. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ruan-pienaar_ulster.jpgRuan Pienaar_ulsterRuan Pienaar dictates matters at scrum half for Ulster: against Edinburgh he got on the ball 54 times, while outhalf Paddy Jackson touched it just 22 times. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rob-kearney_vs-clermont.jpgRob Kearney_vs ClermontRob Kearney - this season's IRUPA Players' Player of the Year has had an imperious Heineken Cup, and if Leinster are to be successful in retaining the cup, he'll have to play a central part.2012-05-19T10:44:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/19/pre-match-nerves/2012-05-19T07:12:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/17/positions-of-need/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/eric-elwood_long.jpgEric Elwood_longEric Elwood: with another year of Heineken Cup rugby guaranteed, the Connacht chief recognized the two key positions in which he needed to strengthen his squad ... and then went out and did something about it. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/barry-murphy_galwegians.pngBarry Murphy_GalwegiansBarry Murphy [26] of Galwegians brings depth to a very, very shallow centre corps. Murphy is not expected to be Conrad Smith, but if he can pass well, tackle hard and make good decisions, he'll do a decent job for Connacht alongside somebody with a little more pace. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/jhw_bristol.jpgJHW_BristolHarris-Wright is coming off a decent season at Bristol in the RFU Championship. There are a lot of ex-academy Irish players plying their trade at that level, and a number of them – Michael Keating and Robin Copeland, for example – are really excelling.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/leo-auvaa_b.jpgLeo Auva'a_BLeo Auva'a does a very specific job for Leinster. He's no asked to play at blindside, he's not asked to jump in the lineout, he's asked to get them over the gainline. 2012-05-17T11:16:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/15/lost-in-transition/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/axel1.jpgaxelIt’ll take more than the old “banana in the tailpipe” routine, but it’s a good place to start.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/axel.jpgaxel2012-05-15T19:20:42+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/15/nz-training-squad-young-guns-and-old-guard/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/colin-slade_highlanders.jpgColin Slade_HighlandersColin Slade suffered a serious but clean break of the leg in March against the Chiefs. He's had a run of bad luck since being called into the World Cup squad, and it's hard not to feel sorry for the talented young outhalf.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rob-fruean_crusaders.jpgRob Fruean_CrusadersRobbie Fruean is unfortunate to miss out, especially so given that Richard Kahui [who was named in the squad] is injured. Having missed out on selection for the RWC11 squad as well, one wonders what it is that Hansen sees in him and doesn't like.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/steve-hansen_nz.jpgsteve-hansen_NZSteve Hansen, NZ head coach: he's been around the set-up for a long time, and he has previous experience as an international head coach with Wales. With so much emphasis on the All Blacks winning their home World Cup, there was always going to be an odd honeymoon period afterwards once they won the William Webb Ellis trophy, but his first squad is a bit of a shake-up.2012-05-16T06:41:18+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/14/q-what-can-you-read-into-a-game-against-newport-gwent-dragons/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/kev-mclaughlin_leinster1.jpgKev McLaughlin_LeinsterKev McLaughlin doesn't break off many 50m runs like Sean O'Brien or Jamie Heaslip, but he's a hell of a lineout jumper. Some people underestimate how important quick ball from the tail can be when attacking halfway up the pitch, or how important it is to put the opposition throw under pressure. McLaughlin is the best in the squad for both jobs. Plus he's a nice guy! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/girvandempsey_leinster.jpgGirvan Dempsey 5/9/2009Time waits for no man, even one with flawless fullback fundamentals. Girvan Dempsey was the consummate professional who could definitely have gone on for another season ... but he didn't.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/stephenkeogh_shannon.jpgStephen Keogh 29/10/2011Keogh looks to put a Shannon team-mate away with a one-handed pass against Young Munster in the UBL this year. As a player-coach, he's getting on the ladder of the second part of his job relatively early, while making the most out of his playing days. It's a big ask, but he proved with his move from Munster to Leinster that he wasn't afraid to challenge himself. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/jennings-cullen_leicester.jpgJennings Cullen_leicesterLeo Cullen and Shane Jennings raise the Guinness Premiership trophy for Leicester. Keogh and Hogan brought a bit of the Munster 'dog' with them, but Cullen and Jennings brought a whole lot more when they returned to Leinster. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/aledbrewdragonsdec2009.jpgAledBrewDragonsDec2009Aled Brew dots down in the corner despite Eoin O'Malley's attempted tackle. The 21-year old O'Malley wasn't actually in the Leinster Academy at the time, but it was his first career appearance for the senior team. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/michael-cheika_leinster.jpgMichael Cheika_LeinsterMichael Cheika didn't have some of the luxuries that Joe Schmidt inherited – indeedhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/stephen-keogh_leinster.jpgStephen Keogh_LeinsterStephen Keogh, Journeyman Pro: Stephen Keogh at one stage was a vital part of the Leinster pack, but he was falling away when he was at his physical prime and should have been coming on strong. In his last three seasons at the club, he started 18 out of a possible 86 matches when he was aged between 26 and 29, prime years for any backrow. 2012-05-17T12:11:33+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/14/match-reaction-leinster-19-15-glasgow/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/brad-thorn_leinster_1.jpgBrad Thorn_Leinster_1Brad Thorn: when the going gets tough, Thorn gets tougherhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/georgeclancy_referee.jpgGeorge Clancy 13/8/2010Bronson: nobody was happy with him. Glasgow fans felt that he was too hard on them at the breakdown, Leinster fans thought that he let way too much go unpunished. Sometimes you just can't win.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/eoin-reddan_leinster_1.jpgEoin Reddan_Leinster_1The Mole is a big Reddan fan, but he didn't have his best game against Glasgow. It'll be very interesting to see who starts against Ruan Pienaar in the HEC final – Isaac Boss's form this season has been consistently good, and he'll really fancy his chances against his former team. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/sean-lineen.jpgSean LineenLineen is all class. Scotland are getting a real gem, but it remains to be seen if the national side will benefit to the same degree that Glasgow stand to lose. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/jamie-heaslip_leinster.jpgJamie Heaslip_LeinsterVintage Heaslip: Jamie Heaslip backs himself and goes around the outside of the Glasgow defense for a fifty yard break. The Leinster No8 still hasn't lost a match as captain of his province. 2012-05-15T10:01:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/12/ospreys-v-munster-match-reaction/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tipuric.jpgtipuricWould you recognise this man without trademark blue scrum cap? Quality player.2012-05-14T14:16:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/11/if-isa-was-irish/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/isa-nacewa-wasps-10.jpgIsa-Nacewa-Wasps-10Isa Nacewa has been selected to play his 100th game for Leinster tomorrow in the Pro12 semi-final against Glasgow. 2012-05-11T18:31:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/09/pro12-semi-final-preview-leinster-vs-glasgow/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cian-healy_glasgow.jpgcian-healy_glasgowCian Healy bursts through the Glasgow defense in the Heineken Cup fixture between the sides at Firhill. Leinster have more weapons all over the pitch than Glasgow, and will be looking to avenge the regular season loss at the RDS. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/stuart-hogg.jpgStuart HoggStuart Hogg has absolutely phenomenal pace; his hat-trick against Munster served warning that if you give him an inch, he'll take sixty metres and five points. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/seanlineensb.jpgSeanLineenSBSean Lineen - he was a classy centre, now he's a classy coach. Everybody likes him and he does a good job ... why's he being let go?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/devintoner_try.jpgDevin Toner 8/10/2011Devin Toner has been one of Leinster's mainstays in the league, and has more than held his own against Gray and Kellock when they went head-to-head in the Heineken Cup group stages. Leinster's lineout has faltered in his absence in recent weeks, and The Mole thinks he'll have a big part to play in Saturday's game. 2012-05-11T18:26:57+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/09/pro12-semi-final-preview-ospreys-vs-munster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/oconnell-injury.jpgO'Connell injuryOne picture tells the tale of a whole season.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/davidwallace_superman.jpgDavidWallace_SupermanYou simply can't replace guys like this. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/adam-r-jones.jpgAdam R JonesAdam Rhys Jones used to be regarded as something of a figure of fun by opposing fans – the ringlets of hair, the fact that he often used to be subbed off before halftime because he couldn't stick the pace, the stories that leaked out of Welsh camps that they'd banned him from eating chocolate – but he has been a vital part of three Welsh Grand Slams and is probably the best scrummaging tighthead in the world now that Euan Murray found God, Carl Hayman moved to Toulon for the cash and Martin Scelzo retired. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/justin-tipuric.jpgJustin TipuricTipuric was the standout openside voted in for the Pro12 Team of the Season. While he's in Warburton's shadow at the moment, the Welsh captain's injuries are affording him more chances to shine at international level. Anybody who has seen the young Ospreys flanker this season knows that he can more than do the job in the test environment.2012-05-11T11:05:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/06/dm-hall-of-fame-inductee-2-andre-joubert-the-rolls-royce-of-fullbacks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andrc3a9-joubert_boks-vs-wobs_2.jpgAndré Joubert_Boks vs Wobs_2Classic Joubert against the Wallabies. In many ways Joubert fit neatly inside the expectations of what a fullback should be, unlike one-offs like Blanco and Cullen, who are always said to have 'redefined the position'. Joubert didn't redefine it, he was just absolutely brilliant at it. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andrc3a9-joubert-canada.jpgAndré Joubert CanadaThe late Ruben Kruger breaks through the Canadian defense with Japie Mulder and Joubert in support. The Boks weren't blowing away the so-called 'minnows' in the group stages, and the Canada match was a game in which the feisty northerners wouldn't lie down for the hosts, sparking an all-in fist-fight. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andrc3a9-joubert_lomu.jpgAndré Joubert_LomuLomu goes for the outside in the World Cup final with Joubert trying to close in on him. The All Blacks were the best team in the competition and would soon prove themselves to be the best team in the world, but the Boks took the trophy with a final performance of ferocious grit and determination. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pieterhendriks_fist1.jpgPieterHendriks_FistPieter Hendriks skinned the aging Campo and darted in for the winning try in the first match of the tournament. The underdog hosts had beaten the reigning champions and favorites, and the tournament was wide open.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pieterhendriks_fist.jpgPieterHendriks_FistHendriks burns Campese and dots down in Capetown to shock the world and beat the Wallabies in the opening game of RWC95https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andrc3a9-joubert-skinned.jpgAndré Joubert skinnedMatt Dawson has thrown his dummy and leaves Joubert in his dust. With so many changes in the backline from the team that had won the World Cup just two years ago, the two holdovers – Joubert and van der Westhuizen – were the men that Lions fan feared above all other South African backs. Despite his second test try, Juba didn't have a vintage series by his high standards. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andre-joubert-in-flight.jpgAndre Joubert in flight"Where's Joubert?"https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andre_joubert-waterbottle.jpgAndre_Joubert WaterbottleJuba takes a break in 1996. At 32 years old, he was at the peak of his powers, and finally earned the SA Player of the Year award that he had been in contention for so many times. All the same, Chris Cullen's incredible try-scoring abilities and broken field running changed the game and made people look at fullback in a different light.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andrc3a9-joubert_wetpitch.jpgAndré Joubert_WetPitchhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/andre_joubert-portrait.jpgAndre_Joubert PORTRAIT2024-02-16T09:24:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/05/02/leinsters-new-contracts/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/leinster_cardiff-blues.jpgLeinster_Cardiff BluesLeinster announced a huge number of contract extensions together, neatly defusing inspection of new recruits (Denton and Bent) and camouflaging some other calls which might have got more attention in the media were they announced piecemeal.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tom-denton_leedscarnegie.jpgTom Denton_LeedsCarnegieTom Denton as a 22 year old for Leeds Carnegie against Stade Francais in and October 2010 Amlin Cup fixture. The only 24/25 year old Irish-qualified second rows with his level and amount of experience are Connacht's Andrew Browne (25 years old, 52 ML/Pro 12 & 16 ERC games) and Devin Toner (25 years old, 73 ML/Pro 12 games and 20 ERC games).https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/michael-bent_wellington.jpgMichael Bent_WellingtonMichael Bent will be coming in to the Leinster set up as a prop used to playing both sides, as Super Rugby uses a seven man bench. It will be interesting to see whether Leinster use him like that, or whether he's going to be selected solely as a tighthead. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rhys-ruddock_maori.jpgRhys Ruddock_MaoriRuddock in action against the New Zealand Maori as a 19 year old in June 2010. Sometimes people forget how young he is: there are six players in the Leinster academy older than him.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/kev-mclaughlin_leinster.jpgKev McLaughlin_LeinsterLeinster's secret weapon in the lineout, Kev McLaughlin has been tied down with a news three year deal at the province. Very few people get offered three-year deals, so it's a sign of how much Leinster value the ex-Gonzaga man. They actually offered him a four year deal if he'd lose the scrum cap, but he wouldn't budge. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rhysruddock_leinster.jpgRhys Ruddock 30/10/2010Rhys Ruddock: if people sometimes forget how young he is, it's worth remembering that there are six players in the Leinster Academy who are older than him – and Ruddock has already broken forty appearances for the senior teamhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/davidkearney_leinster.jpgDavid Kearney 19/11/2010Dave Kearney: the young winger/fullback has seen a lot of gametime for Leinster this year – he's sixth in the 'Minutes Played' chart. He's started in the Heineken Cup and for the Wolfhounds in their lone fixture against the Saxons, and hasn't looked out of place at either level. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/aarondundon_leinster.jpgAaron Dundon 26/8/2011Aaron Dundon: he's not a marquee signing, but he's a hard-nosed, competent club player who takes his duties seriously and realizes that there are a lot of other hookers out there who'd like to be a professional rugby player Leinster.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/leoauvaa_leinster.jpgLeo Auva'a 17/9/2011Leo Auva'a has made a very decent contribution to Leinster's Pro12 campaign in his first season as a professional, contributing five tries and getting on the ball a lot. The stutter-step saw more sparing use post-Christmas, and with a few more tricks up his sleeve next season he'll be even more of a line-breaking threat.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rudy.jpgrudyTom Sexton: that's just cruel.2012-05-04T12:43:23+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/30/match-reaction-clermont-auvergne-15-19-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brianodriscoll_clermont.jpgBrianODriscoll_ClermontVintage Drico.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brock-james_clermont_kick.jpgBrock James_Clermont_kickNobody wants to see a player go to pieces on the big occasion, and Brock James bounced back from his one botched kick – which was just outside his range, and which he probably tried to hit too hard – with one of those relatively straight forward ones barely two minutes afterwards which can really test your bottle. He nailed it. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rob-kearney_vs-clermont.jpgRob Kearney_vs ClermontRob Kearney rarely had the opportunity to display his aerial prowess, but he took the chance to throw some light on his other talents with a huge drop-goal out of nothing and some booming clearances. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/morgan-parra_clermont.jpgMorgan Parra_ClermontMorgan Parra was just a scrum-half for Clermont, not the game-changer that he has been in the past. His delivery was poor on several occasions, and he was obviously under instructions not to box-kick to the Leinster back three.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nathan-hines-tweet_ribs.pngNathan Hines Tweet_Ribs2012-05-07T19:30:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/29/match-reaction-ulster-22-19-edinburgh/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/greig-laidlaw_edinburgh1.jpgGreig Laidlaw_EdinburghLaidlaw had an exceptional game – his attacking instincts, his ball-robbing and his place-kicking were all out of the top drawer. The Mole would have liked to see him sit back and take a drop goal when Terblanche was in the sin-bin and Edinburgh were stuck in the Ulster 22 and short of ideas, but that's a minor quibble. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/johannmuller_ulster.jpgJohann Muller 8/10/2010Johann Muller brings the gravitas of a Springbok captain to every game in which he plays. While it's something of an intangible compared to the rewards that Ruan Pienaar's goal-kicking brings, it's arguably as important a part of the soup. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/paddy-jackson_ulster.jpgPaddy Jackson_ulsterPaddy Jackson didn't shy away from the physical stuff, and is probably a tougher tackler than Ian Humphreys, the man he replaced, but this is the second knockout game in a row where the Ulster outhalf was a bystander.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ruan-pienaar_ulster.jpgRuan Pienaar_ulsterRuan Pienaar was the Magner's League Player of the Season in his first term with Ulster, and was in a different class than everybody else on the Lansdowne Road pitch. 2012-04-29T22:59:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/28/still-got-it-dexys-that-is/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brad-thorn_celebrates.jpgBrad Thorn_celebratesBig Bad Brad Carnegie Thorn: they don't get much All Blacker than this guy, the spiritual successor to Richard 'Tiny' White and Colin 'Pinetree' Meads. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brad-thorn-caricature1.jpgBrad Thorn CaricatureBig Bad Brad Carnegie Thorn. They don't come much All Blacker than this guy, the spiritual heir to Richard 'Tiny' White and Colin 'Pinetree' Meads.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brad-thorn-caricature.jpgBrad Thorn Caricature2012-04-30T07:38:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/27/hec-semi-final-preview-clermont-vs-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jamie-heaslip-vs-clermont.jpgJamie Heaslip vs clermontHeaslip dots down under the sticks in the 2010 quarter-final classic. Given that it's only a couple of weeks more than two years later, the two teams are dominated by the same players who took the field in that stormer of a game. That night it was Leinster who hung on by the slenderest of margins, even given home field advantage ... will it go the other way this time around?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/isanacewa_leinster.jpgAndrew Bishop with Isa Nacewa 29/5/2010Isa Nacewa has recently extended his contract with Leinster, and with the admin done will be looking forward to doing his talking on the pitch. Even Fofana and Sivivatu can't match his inventiveness on the pitch. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brock-james_clermont.jpgBrock James_ClermontBrock James was assured against Saracens, but his best day isn't as good as Sexton's best day. No10 is probably the most important position on the pitch, and if James can't bring his 'A' game, ASM will have to do it the hard way. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/sean-obrien_leinster.jpgSean O'Brien_LeinsterThe Tullow Tank is back in his favored No6 jersey, and must be dying to break off a few trademark runs. O'Brien has put in a serious effort in the No7 jersey, but he was a revelation in European rugby last year as a blindside, and his skittling runs in midfield give Leinster the momentum they're going to need against this big Clermont pack. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nathan-hines_leinster.jpgNathan Hines_LeinsterNathan Hines had a magnificent two seasons in Leinster, and everybody involved in the club wanted him to stay. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be, and he was quickly snapped up by ASM Clermont Auvergne on his release. He seems to have got better and better every year since he entered his thirties, to the point where he deserves to be remembered as one of the very best NH second rows of the post-Martin Johnson era.2012-05-02T11:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/26/very-difficult-but-not-impossible/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brian-odriscoll_leinster.jpgBrian-ODriscoll_LeinsterBrian O'Driscoll: big game players don't come much better than this guy. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/joe-schmidt_leinster.jpgJoe Schmidt_LeinsterSchmidt's gameplanning is going to be a big factor when he comes up against his old team. Clermont's personnel have changed a little since he left (there's no Mario Ledesma or Martin Scelzo anymore) but there must be a degree of familiarity still there with his old charges.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/yachvili_harinordoquy_biarritz.jpgYachvili_Harinordoquy_BiarritzNot every team has a Yachvili and a Harinordoquy, but worse players can put pressure on opposition halfbacks. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vern-cotter_clermont.jpgVern Cotter_ClermontVern Cotter and Joe Schmidt know each other well and have worked together in the past. If they had a 'good cop/bad cop' routine, I'd imagine that Vern was the 'bad cop'.2012-04-29T22:54:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/26/denis-fogarty-hitches-his-wagon-to-aurillac/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/denisfogarty_munster.jpgDenis Fogarty and Tiernan O'Halloran 26/12/2011Fogs Jnr is out of Munster and off to Aurillac, the Jeremy Davidson-coached Pro D2 outfit. There's been a lot of movement in the Munster squad this season – and probably more to come – but this is a curious one.2012-04-26T09:48:32+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/25/signing-contracts-and-joined-up-thinking/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/joined-up-thinking.jpgJoined-Up Thinkinghttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/laulala_penney_canterbury.jpgLaulala_Penney_CanterburyCasey Laulala and Canterbury coach Rob Penney, one of the shortlisted coaches for the Munster job. The identity of the new coach will have a major influence on who plays where – Foley will know EVERY member of the squad bar Laulala (he was still playing when Downey did his stint with Munster), and Penney will know NONE of them bar Laulala.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/james-downey_munster.jpgJames-Downey_MunsterDowney in his first brief stint at Munster. Given the amount of games he has put in for Northampton over the last five seasons, his best years might well be behind him. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ivandineen_munster.jpgIvanDineen_MunsterIvan Dineed banged in a try in the first (and only) start of his Munster senior career. Whether through illness, injury, form or confidence, he hasn't seen much pro rugby this year, but he hit the ground running against the Scarlets with a cracking performance off the bench. 2012-04-25T21:58:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/25/the-art-of-the-undersell/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mark-mccafferty_spoofer.jpgMark McCafferty_SpooferMark McCafferty, Premership Rugby Chief Executive: he's "world class" alright ... a world class spoofer.2012-04-25T09:59:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/24/lock-of-the-week-ulster-vs-edinburgh/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/simpsons-lock-of-the-week.jpgsimpsons-lock of the week2012-04-25T13:16:15+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/23/heineken-cup-semi-final-preview-ulster-vs-edinburgh/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rory-best_ulster_a.jpgRory-Best_Ulster_ARory Best has had the best season of his career for both Ulster and Ireland. He had an outstanding World Cup, and has been a rock in the Irish pack, stepping in as captain in Paul O'Connell's absence at the end of the Six Nations. Only 29, he is already Ireland's most capped hooker, and is a real contender for the Lions next summer. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/grant-gilchrist_edinburgh.jpgGrant Gilchrist_EdinburghGrant Gilchrist breaks away from Toulouse's William Servat. The 21 year old youngster has benefitted from Mick Bradley's youth policy and has played in every Edinburgh win in the tournament so far. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/greig-laidlaw_edinburgh.jpgGreig Laidlaw_EdinburghLaidlaw is a hell of a clever footballer, and the sort of player that any team in Europe would want in its squad. Does he have what it takes to win a Heineken Cup semi-final as an outhalf, though?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/paddy-wallace_edinburgh.jpgPaddy Wallace_EdinburghPaddy Wallace has been the 'no-stat superstar' (© Michael Lewis) of the Ulster team this year. Whatever it is that he brings to the province as the senior three-quarter, they struggle when he's not there. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/stefan-terblanche_ulster.jpgStefan Terblanche_UlsterStefan Terblanche brings enormous experience and rugby intelligence to the No15 jersey for Ulster. He's a big upgrade on Adam D'Arcy who, while an exciting runner, was good for one enormous f*ck-up per game as a starter.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jacobsen_tuohy.jpgJacobsen_Tuohy2012-04-28T18:54:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/23/why-couldnt-it-have-been-ashton/2012-04-23T10:13:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/22/bumface-is-a-legend-pt-2/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/will-carling-tweet.pngWill Carling Tweethttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mr-blobby-will-carling.pngMr Blobby + Will CarlingIt was like a Yalta conference for the late twentieth century. With Noel Edmonds as Stalin, obviously. 2012-04-22T10:41:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/21/2481/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mclaughlin_muller.jpgMcLaughlin_MullerThe very picture of happiness! 2012-04-22T10:06:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/19/hip-young-gunslinger-not-required/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/foley.jpgfoleyThe Heir Apparent. But when does his reign start?2012-04-19T12:25:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/18/soft-middle/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dan-tuohy_simon-zebo.jpgDan Tuohy_Simon ZeboDan Tuohy (26) takes on Simon Zebo (21) in an emblematic image that shows the differing age profile between the two teams. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/johne-murphy_munster.jpgJohne-Murphy_MunsterJohne Murphy - is he made of the same ligind material as John Hayes, Mick Galwey and John Kelly, or is he just a versatile stop-gap player?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/james-downey-northampton.jpgJames-Downey-NorthamptonA lot of emphasis has been put on Munster's acquisition of James Downey – it's expected that he'll be a consistent gainline-breaker and form a focal point for an onrushing pack in the way that Trevor Halstead did back in the 2005-06 season. There are significant differences though: Halstead was a 29 year old with Springbok caps to his name, while Downey is an uncapped 31-year old with a lot of tread worn off his tires from almost 150 matches for Northampton in 5 seasons.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/radge-copy.jpgRADGE! copyHere's a fellah who knows a thing or two about winning tight games ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/paddybutler_munster.jpgPaddy Butler 24/4/2010Paddy Butler might have got a chance against Glasgow at No8 with James Coughlan out injured, but McGahan opted for Peter O'Mahony, who put in a Man of the Match performance in the position where he has played most of his underage rugby. Where does that leave Butler in the depth chart for the No8 position?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/donnacharyan_gameface.jpgDonnacha Ryan 26/12/2009With Damien Varley having lost his place, Denis Hurley having lost his position and Tomás O'Leary off to London Irish, Donnacha Ryan is the only Munster-born player of that 25-29 age group who can be judged to be a first-choice option with the province. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tony_mcgahan_munster.jpgTony_McGahan_MunsterDumper McGahan has put a lot of seeds in the ground since he took over, and the likes of O'Mahony and Murray are the earliest signs of his labour. If you think that this stuff just happens on its own, that good players just emerge naturally, well then where are all the good players who were born in the 1982-86 era?2012-04-26T16:57:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/17/saru-turns-politics-down-a-notch-and-focuses-on-rugby-success/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rassie-erasmus.jpgRassie ErasmusRassie Erasmus, the new GM of the Springboks. Wonder who he has his eye on in the draft?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dk-rog_munster.jpgDK + ROG_MunsterDeclan Kidney and Ronan O'Gara in Munster colours: Kidney had two stints at the province, taking them to four HEC finals and winning two of them in his seven seasons in charge. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brianashton_england.jpgBrianAshton_EnglandBrian Ashton struggled as the man in charge, but was God's gift as second-in-command. He's a rugby coach, not a national media manager. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/lions-1997-coaching-package.jpgLions 1997 Coaching PackageCotton, Telfer and McGeechan - one of the great management and coaching teams of the professional era in northern hemisphere rugby. McGeechan was the attacking guru at head coach, Telfer the force of nature as forward's coach and Cotton the steel fist in the velvet glove as tour manager. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/eddie-osullivan_embattled.jpgEddie O'Sullivan_embattledEddie O'Sullivan shipped a huge amount of flak during his tenure as IRFU head coach. For the majority of that time, he was dealing from two provinces, with Munster in their pomp, Leinster talented but underpowered and Ulster in the middle of a serious slump. Kidney has significantly more resources at hand, with three provinces in good standing on a European level. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/crazy-piet_laughing.jpgCrazy Piet_LaughingCrazy Piet oversaw the Boks winning the series against the Lions and a Tri-Nations tournament victory, but there were always questions over how much he brought to the World Cup-winning team that Jake White left him. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nz-hydra.jpgNZ HydraThe Hydra: Wayne Smith, Steve Hansen and Graham Henry. An enormous amount of coaching knowledge assembled together and – as far as we knew – pulling in the same direction.2012-04-20T21:03:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/11/heineken-cup-semi-final-line-up-2/2012-04-15T20:37:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/06/frontrow-timebomb/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/du-preez-murray-and-botha.jpgdu-preez-murray-and-bothaTwo thirds of Munster's front-row. Guess the odd one out.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/england_v_ireland_scrum-medium.jpgEngland_v_Ireland_scrum (Medium)The English demolished the Irish scrum on St Patrick's Day – tough times at tighthead for Tom Court, and a spectacle that had some Irish rugby fans reconsidering their take on the IRFU's dictat regarding NIQ players at the provinces. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/john-afoa_ulster1.jpgJohn Afoa_UlsterAfoa has been magnificent for Ulster this season, but this is Ulster's fourth season in a row where the tighthead position has been dominated by a foreign international. In a game as position-specific as rugby, and in provinces that are heavily funded by the union, there's a serious conflict of interests there. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ollie-leroux_leinster.jpgOllie-leRoux_LeinsterMany Leinster fans expected Ollie le Roux to be a washed-up disappointment looking for a payday at the end of a distinguished international career. Instead he brought huge energy to everything he did and added enormous value to the club. Despite his enormous size, he was both quick-footed in contact and well able to play the full 80 mins week after week. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/darragh-hurley_munster.jpgDarragh Hurley_MunsterHurley had a very encouraging start to his pro career back, but has suffered injury after injury in the last five seasons, and his rate of progress has stalled badly. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/peter-borlase_munster.jpgPeter-Borlase_MunsterPeter Borlase: maybe he's never going to be an international class tighthead, but it's not as though Munster are dripping with options. No long-term injuries have been made public, so what's the story with the former Canterbury tighthead?2012-04-15T20:37:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/14/sarries-three-cheers-for-their-quarter-final-whipping/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/saracens_crossbar-cheerleaders.jpgSaracens_Crossbar Cheerleadershttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mouritz-botha.jpgMouritz BothaMouritz Botha started his English rugby career with amateurs Bedford Athletic before being picked up by RFU Championship side Bedford Blues; he spent three seasons at the Blues before Brendan Venter snapped him up for Sarries in 2009, and made his England debut this season – he's obviously South African, but The Mole has no beef with him playing for England when he has come through their amateur rugby system.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nigel-wray.jpgNigel Wray2012-04-14T13:26:57+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/11/match-reaction-2-leinster-vs-cardiff/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/leinster_cardiff-hec-qf.jpgLeinster_cardiff HEC QFhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/brad-thorn-leinster.jpgBrad-Thorn-LeinsterBrad Thorn: his scrummaging "compresses your spine in new and interesting ways" according to Irish tighthead Mike Ross.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/gethinjenkins_cardiff-pink.jpggethinjenkins_Cardiff-pinkGethin Jenkins was the lone first-choice player in the front row, and it showed. The Cardiff scrum was brutalized, and Jenkins couldn't produce anything like the effect in the loose that he does for Wales. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/paul-tito_cardiff.jpgpaul-tito_CardiffFilise and Tito have been integral to Cardiff's efforts for five seasons. Even though they're fading forces at this stage of their respective careers, their absence from the matchday squad took a lot of wind out of Cardiff's sails.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/eoinreddan_leinster.jpgEoinReddan_LeinsterEoin Reddan doesn't have the physical gifts that Conor Murray possesses, but he has a hell of a lot more experience of the position. Reddan puts a lot of pace on the game by rarely taking the ball into contact and getting it away quickly to the first receiver, but he relies on other, better-sighted players to put shape on the attack. 2012-04-13T11:28:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/10/match-reaction-1-munster-vs-ulster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/thomond-park_nightime.jpgthomond-park_nightimeThomond Park is always going to be an intimidating place to come and play, but the aura of invincibility has gone. Very few places even pick up such a daunting reputation in the first place.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/denishurley_munster.jpgDenis Hurley 18/2/2011Denis Hurley – he's a Heineken Cup standard fullback, as he proved in the group stages. Is he a Heineken Cup standard winger? Unfortunately not. He gave Craig Gilroy the outside in the first half, and the young Ulster flier took it and didn't look back. McGahan has generally managed his injuries and returns well this season, but he has handled Hurley badly. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tommyodonnell_munster.jpgTommyODonnell_MunsterO'Donnell's selection was a daring gambit from Dumper McGahan, and one that didn't really pay off. Munster owned the ball, but an awful lot of it was slowed down by Ulster counter-rucking, poor ball placement or Murray's dawdling. O'Donnell had neither the aggression nor the technique to shift the bigger Ulster forwards competing at the breakdown, and Ulster rarely took the ball through enough phases for him to work any turnover magic against an isolated carrier. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ulster-vs-munster-hec-qf.jpgUlster vs Munster HEC QF2012-04-12T17:29:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/29/return-to-specificity/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/jeff-probyn.jpgJeff ProbynJeff Probyn: maybe he doesn't look like much, but this guy was fêted as one of the most technically accomplished tightheads in the world during the late 80s and early 90s. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ebenetzebethstormers1.jpg2012 SupeRugbY: DHL Stormers v HurricanesEben Etzebeth was an imposing figure for the SA U20s in last years Junior World Championships, and looks like a natural long-term successor to the great Victor Matfield. At 203cm and 120kg, he's incredibly athletic for somebody that size – Victor in a Bakkies frame. This lad is going to be big news: that's The Mole's Patented Lock Of The Week.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lukecharteris.jpgLukeCharterisLuke Charteris was almost a figure of fun to opposition fans for a number of years, a big lanky fellah with a real beak of a nose. Then he turned 28, went to Spala for the summer and came back an absolute monster with a tremendous work-ethic. Revenge of the lamper! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/obrien_warburton.jpgOBrien_WarburtonO'Brien and Warburton go head-to-head in the quarter-final. The Tullow Tank can play anywhere across the backrow, but as an out-ana-out openside, he had to take a backseat to Eagle Sam. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lionel-nallet_france.jpgLionel Nallet_FranceNallet laboured in Fabien Pelous' enormous shadow for much of his international career, but emerged as a leader and the power of the French scrum under Mark Lievremont in his 30s. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/michael-hooper_act.jpgMichael Hooper_ACTHooper breaks away against the Sharks in a game from last year's edition of Super Rugby. The guy is only twenty, but has already been tipped as a Wallaby by George Smith ... and there's a fellah who knows all there is to know about what it takes to be an international openside. 2012-04-07T06:39:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/06/fira-u18-sf-ireland-22-20-france/2012-04-06T06:31:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/03/hec-quarter-final-preview-munster-vs-ulster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/thomond-park_night.jpgThomond Park_Nighthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mikesherry_munster.jpgMike Sherry 22/10/2010Mike Sherry brings real impact off the bench. With all the injuries Munster have suffered this season, that kind of impact is in short supply. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/darren-cave_ulster.jpgDarren Cave_UlsterThis is a huge opportunity for Darren Cave to stake a claim for the Irish No13 jersey. He seems like he has been around a long time, but he's still just 24 – the same age as Earls and Fitzgerald. Going one-on-one with the former will be a very public contest, and there's a lot riding on it. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/john-afoa_ulster.jpgJohn Afoa_UlsterJohn Afoa has been the stand-out tighthead prop in Irish rugby this season. He's an anchor at scrum-time, a hard-charging ball carrier and a skillful handler ... no wonder he's got 30 caps for New Zealand! 2012-04-04T14:24:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/04/02/match-reaction-munster-vs-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/robkearney_keithearls_munstervleinster12.jpgKeith Earls and Rob Kearney 31/3/2012https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/damien_varley_munster.jpgDamien_Varley_MunsterVarley's position is under serious pressure from Mike Sherry. Munster's lineout misfired horribly in the first half, and you can't play a territorial game if you can't enforce pressure in opposition territory.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/davidocallaghan_munster.jpgDave O'Callaghan Dave O'Callaghan is still on an academy contract, but has stepped up well this season. Munster are short the talents of David Wallace [knee], Denis Leamy [hip] and Niall Ronan [knee] in the backrow; Peter O'Mahony started the season on the blindside, but has moved across to cover the open with Ronan's injury, and O'Callaghan has taken his chance well in the No6 jersey. Has he done enough to keep it for the quarter-final?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/shanejennings_leinster.jpgShaneJennings_LeinsterShane Jennings put in his best performance of the season against Munster on Saturday evening, taking the honours against the highly rated Peter O'Mahony. Jennings has been in the openside game a long time at a high level and is a resourceful and hard-nosed competitor; he brings a balance to the Leinster backrow that improves the team's performance as a whole. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ogara_munster.jpgO'Gara_MunsterRonan O'Gara kicked the ball up in the air a hell of a lot, with very little effort to feed a potent right-to-left outside three of Earls/Jones/Zebo. ROG talked a big game during the week and had the opportunity to back it up, but didn't. 2012-04-05T06:34:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/28/he-is-not-fonz-and-this-is-not-happy-days/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/henry-winkler-as-the-fonz-001.jpgHenry-Winkler-as-The-Fonz-001https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lukefitzgerald_leinster.jpgLuke Fitzgerald 2/10/2010Hmmm – the unicorn jizz jersey means that it's the 2010-11 season, which hints that Fitzgerald is most likely going to do drop the ball within a few frames ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/fintan-drury.jpgFintan DruryFintan Drury is regarded as a canny operator and a hard charger, but Fitzgerald would be mad to take his brinksmanship all the way. A central contract offer from the IRFU is tantamount to selection – just ask Donncha – and turning one down is the next best thing to asking not to be considered for selection. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/luke-fitzgerald_lions.jpgLuke-Fitzgerald_LionsFitzgerald back in 2009 as a 21-year old Lion. He has seen some tough times since then, with several notable injuries, missed tournaments and a severe slump in form. 2012-03-29T23:43:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/26/irelands-giteau/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/the-irish-gitteau.jpgThe Irish Gitteauhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/giteau_australia1.jpgGiteau_AustraliaGiteau gave Australian coaches huge luxury over his international career: capable of playing scrum-half, outhalf and centre, he was an IRB International Player of the Year nominee in 2004 and 2009. It's odd that Dingo Deans couldn't find a place for such an extravagant talent in his RWC11 squad. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ianmadiganleidrasb.jpgIanMadiganLeiDraSBIan Madigan has caught the try-scoring bug in a big way. Munster's Ian Keatley has been banging over the penalties and conversions like nobody's business, but is yet to score either a try or a drop-goal himself. Madigan brings more zip to the backline and has had the more eye-catching season.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/freddie-michalak_france.jpgFreddie Michalak_FranceFreddie Michalak mostly played outhalf, but he both started games and came off the bench for France and Toulouse as a scrum-half. He's renowned as a flake, but when he was good, he was off-the-charts good – check out his RWC2003 form.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ogara_kicking1.jpgOGara_kickingO'Gara – in the words of Declan Kidney "we know what he can do". Bar Sexton, we're not sure what anybody else can do at outhalf. Building a massive cap total might be enough to keep ROG interested, but is it the best thing for Irish rugby?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/giteau_australia.jpgGiteau_Australia2012-03-29T13:17:42+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/25/the-core-of-ireland-wales/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/degree_declan.jpgdegree_declanHe's got the qualification but can he spread the word?2012-03-26T05:12:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/21/the-prefects/2012-03-23T15:12:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/20/blankety-blank/2012-03-20T15:47:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/19/match-reaction-2-where-the-game-was-won-and-lost/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/england-scrum.jpgEngland and Ireland rugby teamsThe England scrum is about to disappear stage right in about three seconds ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/johnhayes_ireland.jpgJohnHayes_irelandThe Mole is NOT a Hayes knocker. But did he really have to start against Fiji in November 2009 and Samoa in November 2010? Two more caps on the pile for the Cappamore Colossus, two golden opportunities to try out a new tighthead wasted. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/jamiehagan_leinster_stock.jpgJamie Hagan 26/8/2011Jamie Hagan of Leinster – but had the big man received any international recognition on the back of his marathon 2010-11 season with Connacht, maybe he would have stayed out west for another couple of years. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/jb-poux.jpgJB PouxThe magnificent Jean-Baptiste Poux, as good a dual-sided prop as there is in world rugby. Worth his weight in gold to French rugby. 2012-03-19T20:32:59+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/19/deja-vu-all-over-again/2012-03-20T14:08:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/19/match-reaction-1-sins-of-omission/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/owen-farrell_threepointer.jpgOwen Farrell_threepointerhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/matlock.jpgAndy Griffith and Carol Huston star in Matlock."Save us, Matlock!" "If Chewbacca is a wookie, you must acquit. Just ask my good friend Declan. Four more years!"https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/eddieosullivan.jpgEddieOSullivan"You know what they say Deccie - if you're given lemons ... you've got to bite down on them and look in the mirror when your face shrivels up in distaste. I don't always talk in clichés, huh?"https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/waterhouse_the-remorse-of-emperor-nero.jpgwaterhouse_The Remorse of Emperor NeroThe Remorse of Emperor Nero After The Murder Of His Mother - John William Waterhouse, 18782012-03-19T13:32:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/17/hoping-that-some-calcio-storico-will-break-out-in-this-horrorshow-of-a-match/2012-03-17T13:13:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/17/and-the-final-table-shows/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/kidney_schmidt.jpgkidney_schmidt"I'm sure you can see my point, Declan." "Not really, Joe."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/psa_stock.jpgPSA_stockPSA: staring down the barrel of a very ordinary first Six Nations with another coach's team that he largely kept intact from the RWC11 finalhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/gatland_roof-open.jpgGatland_Roof Open2012-03-17T12:33:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/16/get-to-know-an-englishman-dan-little-joey-cole/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dan-cole.jpgDan ColeCalm down laydeez ...2012-03-18T14:47:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/14/national-stereotypes-and-psychology/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lions-crest.jpglions crestE crept past S, who were hammered by W, who won late against I, so E v I = ?2012-03-14T16:17:07+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/14/philippe-saint-andre-has-the-toughest-job-in-rugby/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/philippesaintandrefraitasb.jpgPhilippeSaintAndreFraItaSBThe three amigos of the new French coaching set-up. Their players haven't given them what they've been looking for, but what are they giving the players?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/wilkinson_boudjellal.jpgwilkinson_boudjellalThere were two key figures at the club during Saint Andrés time at RC Toulon, and guess what? He wasn't one of them. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/kingsley-jonespsa.jpgKingsley Jones+PSASale Sharks Head Coach Kingsley Jones with Director of Rugby Philippe Saint André; premiership knot, model's own. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bourgoin-old-boys.jpgBourgoin Old BoysThe Bourgoin Old Boys with the Six Nations trophy, 2010: Parra came to the club long after Philippe Saint-André had left, but Bourgoin were a huge influence in the French pack for the entire decade. 26-times capped Julien Pierre joined in 2003-04, PSA's last season as coach, and stayed until 2008, when he moved to ASM Clermont Auvergne.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/psa_france.jpgPSA_FranceNever trust a coach who preaches a different game than he plays ... or some other faux-profound bullshit like that.2012-03-14T17:41:33+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/14/the-fourth-estate-and-the-oval-ball/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lancaster_cv.jpglancaster_CVWhiter than white2012-03-14T14:01:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/13/match-reaction-3-all-kinds-of-everything/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ireland-vs-scotland_bowe.jpgIreland vs Scotland_BoweMorrison has Tommy Bowe pinned for the one-two-three! Whatchu gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you, brutha?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/peter-omahony_ireland.gifPeter O'Mahony_IrelandO'Mahony had a decent first start to his Irish career – doubtless one of many. He has the aggression and energy to be a smashing openside, and is a more-than-handy lineout option. He went up against two good players in Rennie and Barclay and lost nothing in comparison. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/graeme-morrison_ogara3.jpgGraeme Morrison_OGaraHis usual whipping boy out of the starting line-up, Graeme Morrison didn't look at all like the player who has given the Irish backline defense a tough time in the last three games between the sides. He's also a pretty terrible wanderer in space – who'd have thought it?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/cianhealy1_ireland.jpgCianHealy1_IrelandThe Scottish team have a nice tradition of voting for the best player on both the opposition team and their own before the post-match function; Richie Gray won the latter award – obviously – and Cian Healy won the former. The Leinster loosehead had a smashing day in both the set-piece and in open play. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/stephen-ferris_stock.jpgFrance v Ireland - RBS Six NationsStephen Ferris has been the monster in Ireland's defense. O'Brien's best work as a blindside in last year's tournament came with ball in hand, whereas many of the highlights of Ferris' outings this year have come when the other team have the pill.2012-03-13T21:17:23+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/12/match-reaction-2-tommy-nooooooooooooooo/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bowe_morrison.jpgbowe_morrison2012-03-13T10:57:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/12/match-reaction-1-rory-bests-try/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rory-best_try-vs-scotland.jpgRory Best_try vs ScotlandChunk Jacobsen has gotten past the Healy-Ross contain, but it's too little and too late: Best has smashed through Mike Blair and is about to dot down Ireland's first try of the day. 2012-03-12T15:04:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/12/send-in-the-clowns-or-not/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/declan-kidney_subbing.jpgDeclan Kidney_SubbingImpervious to hypnotism and all that sort of stuff – Declan Kidney's mind games are his own. Sure let's just get ready for the next cup final, after all, this is the reason why you get involved in rugby! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/donncha-ocallaghan_stock.jpgRugby Union - RBS 6 Nations Championship 2010 - England v Ireland - TwickenhamDonncha O'Callaghan - a hell of a nice guy by all accounts, but does that mean he should never be dropped or rotated out? His performances in this tournament haven't been anywhere near as impressive as those of the 2011 edition.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/tomasolearywalessb.jpgTomasOLearyWalesSBTomás O'Leary pictured against Wales in the 2010 Six Nations - incidentally, he had a blinder in this game. Unfortunately, that's two years ago, and he's produced nothing like that form for either Munster or Ireland since. 2012-03-12T19:45:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/11/talking-bout-my-generation/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sexton_ogara.jpgsexton_ogaraWe got you a carriage clock2012-03-12T11:39:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/09/the-rest-is-gravy/2012-03-12T00:16:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/09/revenge-of-the-alistairs/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/scotland-on-the-charge.jpgScotland on the chargeScotland are on the up, powered by youngsters like Gray, Denton and Hogg and steeled by a couple of captains in Ford and Barclay.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/declan-kidney-006.jpgDeclan-Kidney-006Declan Kidney's teams have struggled badly in Lansdowne Road, and he managed to drop a Triple Crown over the line in the 2010 game against Scotland at Croker. Ireland have only won one of the last three matches between the sides. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/jonathansexton_kick_italyvireland.jpgJonathan Sexton 5/2/2011Sexton and Reddan were a potent starting combination in Ireland's best performances of 2011, against England in the Six Nations and against the Wallabies in RWC11. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rob-kearney_breakaway_a3.jpgRob Kearney_breakaway_ARob Kearney has become Ireland's backline leader in the absence of Brian O'Driscoll. The French gave him every chance to shine with a poorly thought-out kicking strategy, but the Louth man has varied his counter-attacking policy better this season under the tutelage of Joe Schmidt at Leinster. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/graeme-morrison_ogara2.jpgGraeme Morrison_OGaraGraeme Morrison has made hay in the Irish midfield before, but Sexton's defensive performance against France showed that he's not the swinging door that O'Gara has been in the outhalf channel.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dave-denton_man-of-the-match.jpgDave Denton_Man of the MatchDenton and Rennie have both won Man of the Match awards in losing efforts – it ain't too often that happens. It's going to be very interesting to see how the two backrows work against each other. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/donnacharyan_gameface.jpgDonnacha Ryan 26/12/2009Donnacha Ryan gets a deserved start in the Six Nations, but he has been asked to step into some huge shoes against a good pairing. He should have got a start alongside O'Connell, rather than O'Callaghan.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mike-ross_vsaustralia1.jpgMike Ross_vsAustraliaRoss has gone head-to-head with JB Poux and Gethin Jenkins and come out in fine fettle. Given the amount of ink and spittle spent on Ireland's scrummaging woes in last days of the Hayes/Buckley era, it's surprising that he's not getting more credit for his efforts. 2012-03-09T08:56:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/08/didnt-you-used-to-be-le-crunch/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/skinner_champ.jpgskinner_champWhen men were men and shorts were short2012-03-08T17:03:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/08/match-preview-wales-vs-italy/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/wales-vs-italy.jpgWales vs ItalyWales should have far too much for italy at home in Cardiff. The Welsh are a confidence team, and they're firing on all cylinders. Jacques Brunel is trying hard to find which players will play for him, and how Italy are best set up to progress over his tenure.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rhys-priestland_callow.jpgRhys-Priestland_callowRhys Priestland has not looked at all convincing in Wales' games so far, even though he's had three wins in a row. The challenge of Stephen Jones has abated with age, but James Hook is only ever just around the corner.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/jenkins_captain.jpgJenkins_captainAfter a couple of seasons where he has struggled with serious injury, Jenkins is back in the saddle and performing at his best. He's right up there with the best looseheads in the world; in fact, with Steenkamp having moved to Toulouse and the Beast Mtawarira struggling with his health, he's even closer to the very top of the pile.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mirco-bergamasco.jpgRugby Union - RBS 6 Nations Championship 2011 - England v Italy - TwickenhamIt's not like Mirco Bergamasco is a 100% goal kicker either, but the guy leaves it all on the pitch and has a lot of experience and strength. There's no question in The Mole's mind that he improves the Italian team. 2012-03-08T11:49:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/07/brad-thorn-comes-to-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/brad-thorn-blue-12.jpg070312BM0202Brad Thorn of Leinster (credit: Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE)https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mark-flanagan_ucd.jpgMark Flanagan_UCDMark Flanagan in UCD colours: you can see that the athleticism is there, but as a latecomer to the game there's still a lot to learn. Still, he's probably got a little more exposure this year than he would have bargained for, and he has shown up pretty well for a guy who doesn't have a whole heap of rugby behind him.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/stevensykes_leinstervmelbournerebels11.jpgSteven Sykes 19/8/2011Stephen Sykes pictured in a pre-season friendly for Leinster against the Melbourne Rebels. Sykes simply didn't thrive in Leinster, and showed up the inherent risks of the IRFU's three year special project contracts. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/leo-cullen_old.gifLeo-Cullen_oldLeo Cullen – he's always been a cheat, sorry 'played on the edge': he just gets caught all the time these days. That's our old friend A-G-E for you. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/devintoner_try.jpgDevin Toner 8/10/2011TIMBER! Devin Toner has added ball-carrying to his repertoire this season ... and to good effect. He's also rivaling Isa Nacewa in the gametime stakes, which is some accomplishment for a second row. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/damianbrowne_antoniopavanello_trevisovleinster11.jpgDamien Browne and Antonio Pavanello 26/11/2011Antonio 'Fat Tony' Pavanello and Damian 'Big' Browne get airborne in Treviso. Not pictured: the heavy plant required to get them off the turf.2012-03-07T15:05:59+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/07/ow-captain-my-captain/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/whitman2.jpgwhitmanhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/whitman1.jpgwhitmanTwo roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Not by Walt Whitman.2012-03-09T11:18:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/07/how-do-you-get-to-carnegie-hall-practice/2012-03-09T12:03:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/07/match-preview-1-ireland-vs-scotland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rory-best_ireland.jpgRory-Best_IrelandRory Best: as physical tough and uncompromising a rugby player as you will find in Ireland. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ross_-rennie.jpgRoss_ RennieRoss 'Alistair' Rennie, a rare and worthy Man of the Match in the losing performance against the French in Murrayfield, has been a Mole favourite for quite a while. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ross-ford-vs-france.jpgRoss Ford vs FranceRoss Ford: the big hooker played his underage rugby in the backrow and has taken some time to get to grips with the minute-to-minute aggression and toughness required of an international hooker. With more than fifty international caps under his belt now, he's really hitting his stride as Scottish captain.2012-03-08T15:26:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/06/oconnell-out-irish-lineout-holed-beneath-the-waterline/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/oconnell_stock.jpgOConnell_stockhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/nick-kennedy_london-irish.jpgNick Kennedy_London IrishNick Kennedy of London Irish: Kennedy and Bob Casey took Ryan and O'Callaghan apart in the first game of the 2010-11 HEC in Madejski Stadiumhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/richiegray_lineout.jpgRichieGray_lineoutRichie Gray has done a serious job on the Irish lineout before, and that was when Paul O'Connell was in situ2012-03-06T21:30:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/06/bob-dwyer-on-france-vs-ireland/2012-03-06T07:20:47+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/05/france-17-17-ireland-match-reaction-2-tommy-bowe/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/tommy-bowe-ireland-france-007.jpgTommy Bowe Ireland FranceTommy Bowe: with five tries in three matches so far, he's giving Ryle Nugent every chance to roll that name out with abandon. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sean-obrien_stock.jpgSean OBrien_stockSean O'Brien – first the steal, then the pass: I thought this guy just ran over people? It mightn't make the highlight reel, but absolutely first-class rugby from the Tullow Tankhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/keith-earls_stock.jpgkeith-earls_stockKeith Earls - good decisions and good basics well executed. No-one is ever going to criticize you for drawing your man and giving the winger a good pass.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/tommy-bowe_france.jpgIreland's Tommy Bowe gets past the tackle of France's Wesley FofanaBowe hands off Fofana, who has had to go around the back of Clerc, and he's away down the line.2012-03-05T21:30:34+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/05/the-tide-has-risen/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/stade-de-france.jpgstade de franceSdF - not as good as it looks? 2012-03-05T16:18:47+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/05/france-17-17-ireland-match-reaction-1-halfbacks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/francois-trinh-duc.jpgFrancois Trinh-DucFrancois Trinh-Duc: the French outhalf struggled to put shape on the game when the Plan A – Bash It Up The Outhalf Channel – fell on its face.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/morgan-parra.jpgmorgan-parraMorgan Parra needed to have his head on a swivel, because he wasn't getting much help from his outhalf.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sexton_ferris-tackle.jpgSexton_Ferris TackleFerris and Sexton line up Aurelien Rougerie en route to another first-half turnover.2012-03-05T13:33:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/03/2142/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mcdevitt.jpgMcDevittWhen is this guy going to get his Radio Oscar for services to humanity? https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/off-the-ball-rugby.jpgOff The Ball Rugbyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/peter-omahony_u20.jpgPeter O'Mahony_U20Peter O'Mahony as a No8 for Ireland U20s. Hell of a prospect, but a 'natural openside'?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/suit_keith-wood.jpgSuit_Keith WoodKeith Wood wants to see O'Brien doing what he does besthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/shane-horgan_suit_a.jpgShane Horgan_suit_AShane Horgan, pundit's hat firmly wedged on. 2012-03-04T14:08:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/02/je-ne-sais-mate/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rob-kearney_breakaway_a.jpgRob Kearney_breakaway_AKearney – who's the 'bluffer' now, Slatts? Kearney's return from a horrific knee injury and almost an entire season out straight into the World Cup didn't get anything like the praise it deserved.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/cheika_stade1.jpgCheika_Stadehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/julien_bonnaire_lineout-king.jpgJulien_Bonnaire_lineout kingBonnaire – right up there with Harinordoquy as one of the greatest lineout forwards in the modern game. Teak-tough, intelligent, skillful ... I'd imagine that this guy is going to make a hell of a coach when he finally retires.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/cheika_stade.jpgCheika_StadeMate, yer playin' for the jumpah – alright, maybe not this particular jumpah ...https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/table_leinster-under-cheika-ml_a.jpgTable_Leinster Under Cheika ML_ALeinster's performances in the Magners League under Michael Cheika, 2005-10. Laws changed, defences improved, players became more well-known and thus more markable, and of course age and form swings made a huge difference. The biggest difference though was that Cheika turned the 'galactic' into a pragmatic, gritty outfit. Because whatever about his volatile temperament, he's a pragmatic, gritty coach. 2012-03-03T14:39:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/03/01/territorial-army/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/jonathan_sexton_kicking.jpgJonathan_Sexton_kickingSexton is a far better kicker than he has shown for Ireland, but that's sort of the point. He's being asked to replicate what O'Gara does, and that's not his game. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/the-problem.jpgThe ProblemYou might say that this is a one-off incident, but it betrays all the hallmarks of a team that are not thinking on the pitch, or don't understand what they're doing, or are badly coached. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ogara_kicking.jpgOGara_kickingRadge, doing what he does best – corkscrewing the ball back over the heads of opposition wingers.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rob_kearney_contestable_1.jpgRob_Kearney_Contestable_1Up-and-unders have a new name: 'Contestables'. They're still garryowens, though.2012-03-04T13:56:42+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/29/osheas-stock-rises/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/caesar.jpgcaesarRender Unto Caesar that which is Rightfully Caesar's2012-03-01T10:58:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/28/mr-rugby-in-the-green-and-pleasant-land/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mr_rugby_burst.jpgmr_rugby_burst2012-02-28T14:08:00+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/28/the-art-of-substitution/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/the-bench.jpgThe Benchhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/stuart-lancaster-007.jpgstuart-lancaster-007Stuart Lancaster – the safe pair of hands has his eyes on the top job. Could Courtney Lawes' mistake have a devastating impact on his candidacy? Going into an interview with the Welsh scalp under his belt would have given him a huge boosthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/nallet_servat_train_re.jpgnallet_servat_train_reNallet and Servat were brought experience off the bench – but is it better to start these guys or let them sit out the first hour?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/declan-kidney-pointing.jpgDeclan Kidney Pointing"I put a left-handed batter in to hit against a left-handed pitcher. It's called playing the percentages - it's what smart managers do to win ballgames."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/shaun-edwards.jpgshaun-edwardsShaun Edwards - do you remember when Welsh success was all down to him?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/warren-gatland-250x300.jpgWarren-Gatland-250x300Gatland - every indication that he's steering Wales towards a Grand Slam, even though the Welsh have had a couple of very narrow wins in Dublin and Twickenham2012-02-29T11:56:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/23/dumper-dumpsdumped-part-the-fourth/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/diet-of-worms.jpgDiet of WormsThe Munster bootroom: throw another coach on the barbie, Skippy!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/paul-mccarthymunster-scrum-coach.jpgPaul McCarthy+Munster scrum coachPaul McCarthy: has not been the effective 'scrum doctor' that Munster were looking for. Not to denigrate the effort McCarthy has put in, but to The Mole's eyes, the improvement in Munster's scrum has mainly come from BJ Botha's input https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/jasonholland_munster-backscoach.jpgjasonholland_munster backscoachJason Holland: The Mole was a big fan of him as a player, but remains unconvinced about his abilities as an attack coach at this levelhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/lauriefisher_munsterforwards4.jpgLaurie Fisher 19/10/2010The Fisher King: Gandalf instructing the lads how to give passes before they're tackled. Not a bad thing in itself, but he forgot to teach them anything else.2012-02-24T21:09:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/23/scotland-v-france-match-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/gauloise.jpggauloiseGauloise in Hand, Sun on Back2012-02-23T15:17:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/23/dumper-dumpsdumped-part-the-second/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2008-munster-pack.jpg2008 Munster PackBig Strong Rubbee Man - the Munster pack of 2008-09 was one of the greatest club packs assembled in the professional erahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/deccie-smiley_2.jpgDeccie Smiley_2Declan Kidney giving the game away in a typically outspoken pre-match press conference. Somebody needs to put a zip on that guy's lip. He's all mouth. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/simple-key.jpgSimple Key2012-02-23T12:10:50+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/23/dumper-dumpsdumped-part-the-third/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mechanical-stopwatch.jpgStopwatchMcGahan lost a serious chunk of the Munster fanbase in the course of eighty minutes. It mightn't have been fair, but it happened. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/drico-tackles-oconnell.jpgDrico tackles O'ConnellHeineken Cup Semi-final 2009: the end of the honeymoon period for Tony McGahan. It wasn't just the end of the honeymoon period and the beginning of married life, either. It was like it went Honeymoon > Divorce over eighty minutes2012-02-24T07:19:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/23/dumper-dumpsdumped-part-the-first/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/tony-mcgahan.jpgTony McGahanTight-lipped, ashen-faced supremo Ron Knee, 59,* is to leave Munster at the end of the season2012-03-01T12:38:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/22/provincial-success-%e2%89%a0-international-success/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/leinster-vs-toulouse.jpgleinster vs toulouseLeinster vs Toulouse in the 2011 HEC semi-final: you'd want to be daft to say that this doesn't compare favourably with some of the test rugby we have already seen in this year's Six Nationshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/heieneken-cup_provinces.jpgHeieneken Cup_provincesThree provinces in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals? How is that anything but a good thing. The onus should be on the Irish coaching staff to make the team more than the sum of its parts ... that's basically the job description.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ogarastringer-debut.jpgOGara&Stringer DebutO'Gara and Stringer on debut against Scotland in February 2000: 'Not remotely ready' either, I'd say. A combined 215 caps later, everything looks a little different. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/provincial-success-e289a0-international-success.jpgProvincial Success ≠ International Success2012-02-23T06:32:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/21/whos-the-boshiest-of-them-all-england-vs-wales-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/bosh.jpgBOSHSometimes it's not the sheer amount of BOSH, but the correct application of it, as Dr. Roberts indicates.2012-02-29T09:35:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/21/what-me-worry-ireland-vs-italy-match-preview-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/alfred_e_neuman.jpgalfred_e_neumanSometimes it's not a bad thing to be a bit bullish about an upcoming game. The Mole recognizes that there's little good Declan Kidney can do by saying that we should go out there and feed the Italians thirty points, but at least one person in the meedja should make that point. 2012-02-22T08:31:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/19/murphy-saves-flood-plain/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/toby-flood-bottler.jpgToby-Flood-BottlerBig moment for Tobes, and he let himself down. The Mole was thinking that the reintroduction of himself, Yuilagi and Lawes would give England a bit of pop in their showdown against Wales, but you'd be mad now to go with the Leicester fly-half after he didn't make himself known to the bottle-inspectors 2012-02-20T11:57:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/19/tomas-oleary-to-perpignan/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/oleary_trophies.jpgOLeary_trophiesO'Leary with the Triple Crown shield and Six Nations trophy, 2009: 25 years old when this picture was taken and a Lions call-up on the way, it has all gone south for O'Leary since. A change of scenery might be the best thing for him.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/tomasolearywalessb.jpgTomasOLearyWalesSBhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/duncanwilliams.jpgDuncan Williams 10/11/2010Duncan Williams: hard to show your best form when you're in and out of the team, but time is beginning to tighten on the Cork Con scrum-half's professional careerhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/conor-murray.jpgConor-MurrayConor Murray: not only has he taken over O'Leary's day job at Munster, he's also been chosen ahead of him at international level. At 22, he's not going anywhere anytime soon – although doubtless his agent will have the Irish rugby media thinking otherwise when his contract is up for renewal in a year's time2012-02-19T17:28:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/18/match-reaction-leinster-16-13-scarlets/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/fergus-mcfadden-kick.jpgFergus-McFadden-kickFergus McFadden - has banged over 33 kicks this season for Leinster [17 conversions, 15 penalties and 1 drop goal] but last night's was a big 'unhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/devintoner_try.jpgDevin Toner 8/10/2011Dev Toner - he didn't get on the score sheet tonight [pictured above is the first try of his Leinster career, which came against Conncht earlier this season] but he had a very busy day carrying the pill into contact on his way to winning the 'Stadium MVP'. Next stop, Disneyland. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/leo-auvaa_b.jpgLeo Auva'a_BLeo Auva'a - from Old Belvedere groundsman to Pro12 star, the big No8 has been a great addition to Leinster's squad this seasonhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/simon-easterby_b.jpgSimon Easterby_BSimon Easterby - the former Ireland blindside and Scarlets captain has turned himself in to a first rate defense coach in double-quick time2012-02-19T21:35:34+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/17/leinster-v-llanelli-match-preview/2012-02-17T13:22:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/17/the-blazers-the-suits-and-the-trackies/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/kidney_smal_gaffney.jpgDeclan Kidney, Gert Smal and Alan Gaffney 17/2/2010The 'trackies' - guess whyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/john-delaney.jpgJohn-DelaneyThe well-paid FAI chief Father Dougal Maguirehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/davidhumphreys_senior.jpgDavid HumphreysSome of the gloss gone from the golden boy in recent weeks2012-02-17T18:57:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/16/debacle-in-paris/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/eamonn-ryan.jpgEamonn RyanFormer minister Eamonn Ryan: never a comfortable fit as Irish rugby's Public Enemy #1. It'd be like kicking a puppy.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/fat-serge-blanco.jpgFat Serge BlancoLe Beau Serge - for many non-French rugby followers, the face of the LNR. And it's a big fat bloated face!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/pierre-camou-ffr.jpgPierre Camou FFRCamou can do, but Sartre is smartre ... wait, Pierre can't do and smartre isn't a wordhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/stade-de-france.jpgstade-de-franceStade de France - so picturesque, so remote, so coldhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/sarkozy.jpgsarkozySarko - almost certainly telling the parable about the rich man getting into heaven and the camel fitting through the eye of a needlehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/debacle-in-paris.jpgDebacle In Paris2012-02-19T17:55:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/13/he-who-dares/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/sas-dares-wins.jpgsas dares wins2012-02-15T06:29:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/13/foster-horans-wundertry/2012-02-13T17:05:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/11/match-reaction-leinster-42-8-treviso/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/isanacewaleintrevsb.jpgIsaNacewaLeinTrevSBNacewa collides with Brendan Williams, Treviso's creative spark - all the honours went to the Leinster man on the night, however.2012-02-12T01:28:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/11/so-how-would-you-play-them/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/morgan-parra_black-eye.jpgMorgan-Parra_black eyeAwh. Poor little pet. 2012-02-11T15:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/10/central-contracts-for-all-answers-for-none/2024-04-21T14:41:33+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/10/gossip-from-the-mart-4/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/gossip-from-the-mart.jpgGossip From The MartWait'll you hear what somebody told me at the Birther Rally the other day ...2012-02-10T19:30:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/09/mark-tainton-spills-the-beans/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mark-tainton.jpgMark TaintonMark Tainton at RWC11, when he was just plain old kicking coach. 2012-02-09T16:01:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/08/tighthead-locks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/robin-brook_aggrieved.jpgRobin Brook_aggrievedStuff Tighthead Locks Love #6: Looking aggrieved when clearly guiltyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/hines_yellow.jpgHines_YellowStuff Tighthead Locks Love #5: Getting yellow-cardedhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/thorn-mushing-face.jpgThorn Mushing FaceStuff Tighthead Locks Love #4: Mushing other players' faces into the groundhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/bakkies-talk-shit.jpgBakkies-Talk ShitStuff Tighthead Locks #3: Talking Shit https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/martin_johnson_scowl.jpgMartin_Johnson_ScowlStuff Tighthead Locks Love #2: Scowling https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/shaw_mauling.jpgShaw_maulingStuff Big Men Love #1: Mauling2012-03-08T05:44:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/07/ireland-vs-wales-reaction-3/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/les-kiss.jpgLes KissLes Kiss – not one of his better dayshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/bactrian_camel.jpgbactrian_camelFrom the designers of Ireland's attack plan: the horse.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/d-fence-t-shirt.jpgD-Fence T-shirtLes Kiss has been there and got the t-shirt. Unfortunately, he forgot to wear it on Sunday. He was caught in a dilemma between wearing the D-Fence T-shirt and the Attack onesie2012-02-07T16:03:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/06/ireland-vs-wales-reaction-2-the-yellow-cards/2012-02-07T22:03:32+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/05/ireland-v-wales-reaction-part-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/kidney.jpgkidney"I don't know whose game plan that was, but it wasn't mine." No, wait, wrong Irish coach.2012-02-07T07:57:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/05/dont-make-me-watch-it-again-scotland-6-13-england/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/puck-fair.jpgPuck FairDan Parks in his other job, chairing Puck's Fairhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/clockwork-orange2.jpgclockwork-orange2https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dan-parks.jpgDan ParksTek a booo, son. Tha' was tehh'ble.2012-02-05T19:08:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/04/nothing-better-than-being-a-schoolboy-legend/2012-02-05T23:54:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/03/sit-yourself-down-there-with-a-nice-cup-of-scald-and-a-copy-of-sun-tzu/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/jamie_roberts_plows-a-furrow.jpgjamie_roberts_plows a furrowHow Do Ireland Stop The Big Bopper? https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/earls_mike-phillips.jpgEarls_Mike PhillipsEarls had a torrid day in defense against the big Welsh backs, missing four tackles. Not many people saw this one, because it came on the other side of a scrum just after the hour mark. Phillips went blind, Earls went low, the crowd went "Ooooooh!", the camera switched to an overhead position, and then you saw Earls spreadeagled on his back. Ouch. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ferris_manhandled.jpgFerris_ManhandledStephen Ferris: The manhandler becomes the manhandleehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rog-getting-smashed_2.jpgROG getting smashed_2Radge on one of his ill-thought-through breaks. The Welsh laid traps for his all through the first half and he took the bait too often. 2012-02-07T15:16:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/02/great-coach-or-just-a-good-set-of-initials/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/psa_quoi.jpgPSA_Quoi2012-02-03T12:28:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/01/random-musings-on-the-six-nations/2012-02-01T21:34:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/02/01/the-calcutta-cup/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/johnson_calcutta-cup.jpgJohnson_Calcutta CupI miss him already 2020-05-19T22:58:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/31/irish-squad-announced/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/declan-kidney-smiling_subtitled-2.jpgDeclan Kidney Smiling_subtitled 22012-02-01T03:32:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/30/delon-the-felon/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/o-johnno-where-art-thou.jpgO-Johnno-Where-Art-ThouDelon the Felon and Danny "I don't" Care on the run from the law with an unidentified member of the V Gang2012-01-30T13:46:54+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/29/match-reaction-saxons-23-17-wolfhounds/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/england-saxons-v-irish-wolfhounds-thomas-wald_2709686.jpgEngland-Saxons-v-Irish-Wolfhounds-Thomas-Wald_2709686Somebody sort this lad out with a Cotton Traders baggy jersey from the 1990s.2012-01-31T01:08:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/28/the-boys-from-the-county-hell/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/eoingriffin_connacht.jpgEoin Griffin 19/11/2010Eoin Griffin In Full Flight: another one from the 1990s AIL program of captions. Fatties: on the burst. Backs: in full flight.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ericelwood.jpgEric ElwoodEric Elwood: A genuine, bona fide Irish rugby hero and Connacht legend. The right man for a tough job, but not having it too handy this season. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/tomguestharlequinsvconnachtrugbyamlinjak1nib-qoul.jpgTom+Guest+Harlequins+v+Connacht+Rugby+Amlin+JAK1Nib-QoulMichael Swift about to lay the wood on Tom Guest in last year's Amlin Cup game. Swift was stilling beasting Harlequins players a year later like he never took a break in the interim.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/rodney-ah-you_toulouse.jpgRodney Ah You_ToulouseRodney Ah You On The Burst - in the 1990s, when the AIL was in its pomp, there was always a couple of photos in every team's program of a local hero/club fatso 'on the burst', scattering defenders. Good to see Rodney continuing the tradition. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/connachtforwards_vtoulouse11.jpgThe Connacht team huddle 19/11/2011The Boys From The County Hellhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/stassen-grail.jpgstassen-grailParsifal holds aloft the Heineken Cup/Holy Grail after being announced Man of the Match in the Camelot XV's big victory over Mordred and his gang of Taff strongmen2012-02-17T09:57:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/27/team-selection-wolfhounds-vs-saxons/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/wolfhound_homer.jpgWolfhound_Homer"The Irish wolfhound is relatively easy to train. They respond well to firm, but gentle, consistent leadership." So says the American Kennel Club. Chris Henry, are you listening? No shouting. 2012-01-28T15:11:41+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/25/my-eyes-the-goggles-do-nothing/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/stephenferris_aurelienrougerie_clermontvulster12.jpgFerris hands off Rougeriehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ulster_cartoon_jersey2.jpgThe Cartoon Jerseyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ulster_cartoon_jersey1.jpgUlster_cartoon_jerseyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ulster_cartoon_jersey.jpgUlster_cartoon_jersey2012-01-25T18:31:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/25/match-reaction-clermont-auvergne-19-15-ulster/2012-01-25T10:57:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/24/nathan-hines-does-the-octopus/2012-04-26T09:02:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/22/match-reaction-munster-51-36-northampton/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/zebo-munster_subbed.jpgZebo-Munster_subbedZoooooom! 2012-01-22T12:16:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/22/english-copper-frames-paddies-shocker/2012-01-23T13:47:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/22/match-reaction-1-leinster-25-3-montpellier/2012-01-22T10:34:05+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/20/billy-dont-be-a-munster-hero/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/billy-holland_hero.jpgBilly Holland_heroBilly Holland: just when I thought I was out, they ... pushed me further out. 2012-01-21T22:36:46+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/18/youre-sound/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/declan-button_4_small.jpgdeclan button_4_smallHe'll be airbrushing people out of team photos next2012-01-19T11:27:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/07/hed-give-you-an-indian-burn-thatd-land-you-in-hospital/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/simon-shawe_alive.jpgSimon Shawe_AliveSo harsh. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/clint-newland_highlanders.jpgClint Newland_highlandersWhy we call him Nelson Muntz. When he sat on the bench for Leinster he used to wear a cut-off denim jacket instead of a promo.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ben-prescott.jpgBen PrescottBen Prescott: they weren't kidding about the journeyman thing - Rotterham - Nottingham - Leinster - Northampton in the space of seven monthshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/nelson-muntz_original.jpgnelson-muntz_originalClint Newland having the last laugh2012-01-18T15:23:17+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/18/dirty-leedsyour-boys-took-a-hell-of-a-beating/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/richard-cockerill_subbed.jpgrichard-cockerill_subbedYawn. Sorry Richard, you were saying something about the refereeing of the breakdown ...?2012-01-18T14:20:15+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/18/roger-wilson-returns-to-ravenhill/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/roger-wilson_return.jpgROGER-WILSON_returnWodger Wilson Weturns2012-01-19T01:32:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/23/overpaid-over-sexed-over-here/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/teichmann-jones.jpgteichmann jonesTeichmann and Jones reliving their Tarf and Crescent days2012-01-16T22:24:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/15/match-reaction-glasgow-16-23-leinster/2012-01-18T22:51:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/13/gossip-from-the-mart-3/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/gossip-from-the-mart.jpgGossip From The Marthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/hick-with-shotgun_xenophobia.jpghick-with-shotgun_xenophobiahttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/xylophone.jpgxylophone2012-01-13T21:57:18+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/13/ulster-v-leicester-preview/2012-01-13T08:37:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/12/beware-round-5-surprises/2012-01-12T19:12:59+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/10/cut-paste-remove-abusive-references-to-irfu-officials-and-toilet-humour-puns-on-their-names-post/2012-01-15T12:02:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/10/match-reaction-munster-29-13-treviso/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/oconnell_ocallaghan_choke-tackle.jpgOConnell_OCallaghan_Choke TackleThe choke tackle: comes in both green and red for all you colour-blind rugby fans2012-01-10T13:23:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/06/a-internationals-whats-the-point/2012-01-07T12:35:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/05/sab10-kim-jong-wigglesworth/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/sab10-kim-jong-wigglesworth.jpgSAB#10 Kim Jong WigglesworthOne is a tyrannical despot who hates foreigners, the other etc. 2012-01-05T17:46:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/05/m85-86/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/c86_pic.jpgC86_PicC86 was an NME mix tape that catalogued the emerging British music scene in 1986. 'C' stood for cassette, and 86 ....https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/germany-coughlan.jpgGermany CoughlanI never even saw him. He came out of nowhere. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/duncanwilliams.jpgDuncan Williams 10/11/2010Duncan Williams: Next Big Thing or on his way to Palookaville?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/mike-ross_quins.jpgMike Ross_QuinsMike Ross in his days at Harlequins, where he became the best Irish scrummager of the decadehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/04-01-12-c86-graph_1p.jpgJust like the Connells used to sing, 85-86Click to embiggen; concentrate to make cromulenthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/denisfogarty_gave-up-on-life1.jpgDenisFogarty_Gave up on lifeMake versatility your watchword, Fogs Jnr.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/denisfogarty_gave-up-on-life.jpgDenisFogarty_Gave up on lifehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/darragh-hurley_subtitled.jpgdarragh-hurley_subtitledDarragh Hurley: injury prone hardly covers it2012-01-06T08:04:07+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/05/saint-andres-about-winning-not-rebuilding/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/phillipe-saint-andre_subbed.jpgphillipe-saint-andre_subbedOui, c'est vrai2012-01-05T15:50:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2012/01/04/big-ben-is-little-englander/2012-01-04T12:22:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/24/demented-mole-tag-index-a-b/2012-01-02T10:10:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/28/demented-mole-tag-index-e-f/2011-12-28T12:12:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/26/demented-mole-tag-index-c-d/2011-12-26T10:54:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/23/if-it-aint-broke/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/irfu.jpgirfuActing In their best interest?2011-12-24T16:40:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/19/an-antidote-to-the-january-blues/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/heineken-logo.jpgheineken logo2011-12-19T18:25:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/19/match-reaction-leinster-52-27-bath/2011-12-22T17:46:00+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/17/its-beatlemania-all-over-again/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dexys-midnight-rugby-correspondent1.jpgDexy's Midnight Rugby CorrespondentClassic Dexy's! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dexys-midnight-rugby-correspondent.jpgDexy's Midnight Rugby Correspondent2011-12-19T20:34:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/16/its-critical-down-west-country/2011-12-16T13:01:47+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/15/rfu-gets-ceo/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/andrew_report.jpgandrew_reportYou want me to explain to someone what it is I do?2011-12-15T15:02:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/15/the-laws-of-probability/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ladyluck86.jpgLadyLuckLady Luck! She wears green! She hates Connacht! The irony.2011-12-15T10:08:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/14/u20-world-cup-draw-made/2011-12-14T13:10:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/13/reaction-llanelli-14-17-munster/2011-12-14T20:54:07+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/13/wilkinson-retires-from-international-rugby/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/jonny-wilkinson_retires.jpgJonny Wilkinson retiresJonny Wilkinson Retires2011-12-13T15:59:50+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/12/reaction-harlequins-10-21-toulouse/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/louis-picamoles.jpgLouis PicamolesThe Iceberg does some damage 2011-12-14T09:34:23+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/12/match-report-bath-13-18-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/caldwell_sexton.jpgCaldwell_SextonRyan Caldwell tries to find the 'Off' button on Jonny Sexton2011-12-12T16:34:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/09/match-preview-bath-vs-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/bath_royal-crescent.gifBath_royal-crescentCome for the victory, stay for the John Wood the Young showpiece of Georgian architecture2011-12-10T10:50:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/09/joe-schmidts-away-team/2011-12-10T13:01:46+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/08/harlequins-v-toulouse/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nyanga_lineout.jpgnyanga_lineoutSet Piece Pressure2011-12-09T09:48:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/08/mclaughlin-makes-two-interesting-calls/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/brian-mclaughlin_subbed.jpgBrian McLaughlin_subbedSubtle.2011-12-09T09:47:33+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/08/how-munster-can-beat-the-scarlets/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tony-mcgahan_subbed.jpgTony McGahan_subbedNot intended as a slight on McGahan, but he's down a lot of backs. 2011-12-09T09:38:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/08/hec-preview-scarlets-vs-munster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/radge-copy2.jpgRADGE! copySure three-in-a-row is out of the question?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/radge-copy1.jpgRADGE! copyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/radge-copy.jpgRADGE! copy2011-12-09T09:23:17+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/07/it-aint-the-noble-art-and-i-aint-its-noblest-artist/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sonny_bill_williams-boxing.jpgSonny_Bill_Williams BoxingSunny-Bull returns to the squared circle for ten rounds of pugilistic action2011-12-07T15:07:59+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/06/doug-howlett-out-for-the-season/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/doughowlett2.jpgDoug Howlett on the attack 18/9/2010Howlett out for the remainder of the season2011-12-07T08:20:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/06/ngwenya-wundertry/2011-12-06T22:26:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/05/it-doesnt-make-him-a-bad-guy/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nick-easter_karsey.jpgNick Easter_karseyTrying to throw off his Dulwich College roots2011-12-05T17:59:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/05/beanpole-to-bearpit/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/lukecharteris_perpignan.jpgLukeCharteris_PerpignanChartered flight to Perpignan2011-12-05T16:52:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/05/ospreys-vs-munster-defensive-line-speed-and-how-to-check-it/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/andrew-bishop_ospreys1.jpgAndrew Bishop_OspreysAndrew Bishop - the key to the Ospreys' line-speed and defense against Munsterhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/andrew-bishop_ospreys.jpgAndrew Bishop_Ospreys2011-12-05T16:01:34+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/03/match-report-ospreys-19-13-munster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/munster-yellow-card-crest.jpgMunster Yellow Card CrestBack on the bottom of the SpecSavers Fair Play League to boot2011-12-05T11:49:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/03/thomo-retires/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/steve-thompson.jpgsteve-thompsonYou beautiful man2012-11-27T18:13:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/03/bumface-is-a-legend/2011-12-03T10:17:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/02/leinster-vs-cardiff-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/steven-sykes_springbok1.jpgSteven Sykes_SpringbokJohn Smit's savoir faire ruffled for the first and only time in his careerhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/steven-sykes_springbok.jpgSteven Sykes_Springbok2011-12-05T13:33:47+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/02/dm-hall-of-fame-inductee-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/laurent-cabannes_a.jpgLaurent CabannesGreat French jersey? Check. Socks around the ankles? Check? Tighthead's knicks? Check.2011-12-02T14:07:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/30/dexys-midnight-rugby-correspondent-scolds-the-man/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dexys-midnight-rugby-correspondent1.jpgDexy's Midnight Rugby Correspondenthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dexys-midnight-rugby-correspondent.jpgDexy's Midnight Rugby Correspondent2011-12-02T11:06:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/01/a-league-of-its-own/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/rabodirectpro12_png_logo.jpgRaboDirectPRO12logo2011-12-02T10:59:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/12/01/when-rob-andrew-is-the-least-of-your-problems/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/rfu-realpolitik.jpgRFU Realpolitik2011-12-01T18:11:17+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/30/a-salute-to-pere-harinordoquy/2011-11-30T14:31:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/30/the-argument-against-sevens/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/keith-earls_sevens.jpgKeith-Earls_SevensSevens - A Hornet's Nest2011-12-03T23:09:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/28/the-new-generation/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/axel-foley.jpgaxel foley"Kick it into the corner, then maul it over. Else drop a goal." 2011-11-28T23:31:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/25/munster-leinster-and-their-experimental-teams/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/coaching_at_the_blackboard.jpgcoaching_at_the_blackboardAnd then you chop-block the defensive end, Moose2011-11-25T19:59:15+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/24/the-provincial-draft/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nfl-draft.jpgNFL DraftWith the second pick of the first round, Connacht select Ian Nagle, Munster Academy2011-11-28T02:30:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/23/shit-continually-hitting-the-fan-at-st-boshingtons/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/st-boshingtons_first-xv.jpgst-boshingtons_first-xvMoodos threatened to skip the First XV photo for the annual!2011-11-30T08:10:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/22/pass-or-fail/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/o_malley-passing-copy.jpgEoin O'Malley doing that thing that he does ... what's it called again?Eoin O'Malley doing that thing that he does ... what's it called again?2011-11-23T22:00:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/22/separated-at-birth-10/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sab12-jacques-poitrenaud.jpgSAB#10 Jacques Poitrenaud2011-11-22T15:37:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/20/you-dont-notice-the-good-ones/2011-11-22T15:02:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/25/team-of-the-tournament-nz-herald-style/2011-11-22T15:02:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/21/perpignan-axe-delmas/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/guillotine.jpgGuillotineThey weren't kidding about the blood and gold in Perpignan. James Hook gets the gold, the blood is all Delmas. 2011-11-21T17:51:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/21/pools-become-shark-pits/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jaws_1440x900.jpgJawsMallinder is the swimmer2011-11-22T07:55:42+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/21/ted-meet-evil-robot-ted/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/mclaughlin_bouilhou.jpgMcLaughlin_BouilhouKev McLaughlin and Jean Bouilhou: they don't just look alike2011-11-23T21:28:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/19/again/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/radge-copy3.jpgRADGE! Unreal stuff! https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/radge.jpgRADGE!2011-11-21T15:36:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/18/ones-to-watch-heineken-cup/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/weir_krankees.jpgweir_krankeesDuncan Weir - Fan'dabi'dozi2011-11-21T13:10:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/18/glasgow-a-coachs-dilemma/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sean-lineen_subbed.jpgSean Lineen_subbedProbably a bit far-fetched2011-11-18T11:56:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/17/stupidest-idea-in-rugby-runs-aground-few-surprised/2011-11-17T19:28:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/17/sack-the-board/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/martin-johnson.jpgMartin JohnsonJohno in happier times. Doesn't look like it, though.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ashton-vs-johnson.pngAshton vs Johnson2011-11-17T17:40:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/17/who-dat-say-they-gonna-pick-dat-saint/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/oooh_downey.jpgoooh_downeyOoooooh, James Downey! (With apologis to Whiff of Cordite)2011-11-17T20:18:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/16/beetle-browed-beadle-bids-bye-bye/2011-11-16T18:17:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/16/mole-digs-in-fir-hill/2011-11-17T09:49:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/15/that-old-wasps-gang-is-breaking-up/2011-11-17T18:48:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/14/i-have-the-mental-you-do-not-have-the-mental/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/noves_laporte.jpgnoves_laporteNoves: Mental2011-11-14T17:25:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/14/another-round-of-heino-please/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ths-heineken-1.jpgAnother Round of HeinekenAnother Round Of Heineken, Please2011-11-14T13:15:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/14/munster-23-21-northampton/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/radge-copy2.jpgRADGE!Gamblor seals the deal!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/radge-copy1.jpgRADGE! Gamblor takes care of business!2011-11-14T13:12:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/13/1428/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/general-custer-300.jpgLiam Toland in Full Dress Uniform2011-11-14T23:30:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/13/montpellier-16-16-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sean-cronin_montpellier.jpgLeinster's Sean Cronin dots down a five pointer against MontpellierYou'd take that result every day of the week.2011-11-13T12:50:08+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/12/1420/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/radge-copy.jpgRADGE! 2011-11-15T14:48:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/12/harlequins-25-17-connacht/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/chris_robshaw_subbed.jpgChris_Robshaw_subbedFuture England captain speaks out2011-11-13T21:26:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/11/hrh-tins-upon-turnpike-deposed/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/hrh-tins-upon-turnpike1.jpgHRH Tins-Upon-Turnpike's Annus Horibilis just got HoribiliserHRH Tinshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/hrh-tins-upon-turnpike.jpgHRH Tins-Upon-TurnpikeHRH Tins-Upon-Turnpike's Annus Horribilis just got Horribiliser2011-11-11T18:40:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/11/go-on-then-gizza-job/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sean-edwards-you-are-having-a-laugh.pngSean Edwards, You Are Having A LaughJust a simple comparison between the teams. No more. 2011-11-12T10:34:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/11/report-card-wales/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jamie-roberts.jpgJamie RobertsThe Big Bopper Jamie Roberts - Sings A Good Anthem, Runs a Good Line2011-11-13T09:24:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/10/heineken-cup-pool-4/2011-11-10T17:58:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/10/montpellier-herault-rugby/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/gorgodzilla.jpggorgodzillaRevving up for Sean O'Brien2011-11-10T13:45:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/10/heineken-cup-pool-5/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/imanol_opera1.jpgimanol_operaFava beans and chianti not picturedhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/imanol_opera.jpgimanol_operaFava beans and Chianti not pictured2011-11-10T13:02:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/09/heineken-cup-pool-3/2011-11-09T13:21:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/08/le-jonny-tells-it-like-it-is/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jonny-wilkinson.jpgjonny-wilkinson... and the ball goes over the bar. That's how it works with this chap. 2011-11-10T15:19:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/08/heineken-cup-pool-2/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/xavier-rush.jpgxavier-rushXavier Rush - enormous value for Cardiff over the years2011-11-08T07:01:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/07/heineken-cup-pool-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ogara_munster.jpgogara_munsterRepeat to Fade2011-11-07T09:15:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/06/make-no-mistake-about-it/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/helen-lovejoy1.jpghelen-lovejoy"Make no mistake about it ..."https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/helen-lovejoy.jpghelen-lovejoy"Make no mistake about it - [continues ad nauseum]"2011-11-07T20:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/05/head-of-st-boshingtons-school-board-retires/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pedigree-welsh-black-cow_subbed.jpgPedigree Welsh Black Cow_subbedDon't you make those big cow eyes at me ...2011-11-05T10:11:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/05/felon-appears-in-kangaroo-court-not-a-shocker/2011-11-07T10:52:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/03/leinster-v-munster/2011-11-03T21:23:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/02/report-card-the-inner-peace-gang-new-zealand/2011-11-02T18:49:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/16/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-two-the-second-row/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f1.jpgteam-that-never-travelled-crest_f2011-11-01T18:03:50+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/17/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-three-the-backrow/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f2.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Crest_F2011-11-01T18:03:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/18/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-four-the-halfbacks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f3.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Crest2011-11-01T18:03:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/18/ireland-vs-australia-reaction-have-you-ever-been-to-india/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ferris_geni_hell-of-a-beating.jpgFerris and Genia_Hell of a Beating2011-11-01T18:03:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/19/ireland-vs-australia-reaction-men-against-boys/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/men-against-boys.jpgMen Against Boys2011-11-01T18:02:54+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/19/ireland-vs-australia-reaction-old-soldiers-never-die-they-just-get-dropped-by-robbie-deans/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/old-aussie-soldiers.jpgOld Aussie SoldiersStirling Mortlock and George Smith Catch Up2011-11-01T18:02:42+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/20/match-review-wales-vs-samoa/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/quick-brown-fox_wales-samoa.jpgQuick Brown Fox_Wales & SamoaNo photoshop required2011-11-01T18:02:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/20/the-other-chaps/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/irb-founding-fathers.jpgIRB Founding FathersA bunch of bloody good blokes2011-11-01T18:02:19+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/20/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-five-inside-centre/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mcalister_future.jpgMcAlister's FutureLuke McAlister: Really surprising that he moved away from NZ after RWC07https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/jauzion-realistic-level-of-self-worth.jpgJauzion Realistic Level of Self WorthYannick Jauzion's tough lifehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gitteau_medal_speech.jpgGitteau's John Eales Medal 2009 SpeechMatt Giteau wearing the most Australian expression in the worldhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f5.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Crest2011-11-01T18:02:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/20/south-africa-v-fiji-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/superstar.jpgsuperstarSuperstar, coming through2011-11-01T18:02:00+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/21/match-review-england-vs-georgia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/chris-ashton-swallow-dive-007.jpgChris Ashton ... LikeableNo wonder that Georgian lad tried to break his arm at the end of it 2011-11-01T18:01:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/21/fangio-on-gamblor/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/fangio-on-raadge.jpgFangio on RaadgeIt's his job to tell it like it is. It's Farrelly's job to regale us with stories of how difficult it is to get back to the team hotel after a night in Fergburger.2011-11-01T18:01:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/21/ward-v-campbell-ii-not/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sexton-ogara.jpgsexton o'garaStop calling "Miss 1"2011-11-01T18:01:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/21/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-six-outside-centre/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/fritz.jpgFlorian Fritz in the wide open spacesFlorian Fritz - why no love? https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/adi-jacobs-wetsuit.jpgAdi Jacobs: there's an ASBO on the way for the hoodieAdi Jacobs and his new stealth hoodhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bastareaud_fat.jpgBastareaud waving good bye to the ice-cream van ... after emptying itMathieu Bastareaud: First into the building in the morning, last one to leave. Unfortunately the building is the canteen, not the gym.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/fruean-copy.jpgRobbie Fruean gets away from a hapless HighlanderFruean would have made a lot of other RWC11 squadshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mortlock.jpgMortlock scalps the White Orcs with ball in one mittThe Evil Wizard Mortlock works his magichttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f7.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Cresthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f6.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Crest2011-11-01T18:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/22/gossip-from-the-mart-2/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gossip-from-the-mart2.jpgGossip From The MartFergburger lays the rule over international opensides. 2011-11-01T18:01:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/22/match-review-south-africa-87-0-namibia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lairy-bakkies_eighty-burger.jpgLairy Bakkies_eighty burgerWhen Willem Alberts heard his opposite number was Jacques Burger, all he could think of was the next meal. At Fergburger. 2011-11-01T18:00:59+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/22/australia-v-usa-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/beale-try.jpg15. Kurtley Beale (Australia)Get used to that feeling, Kurtley2011-11-01T18:00:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/team-announcement-ireland-vs-mother-russia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/declan-button_4_small.jpgKidney's Politburo is backing the USSR! He's a mole.Saint Declan looking a little bit like Brezhnev. 2011-11-01T18:00:32+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/flinty-robinson-makes-a-tough-call/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/andy-robinson-001.jpgKeep SchtumRobinson makes the tough call on Kellock2022-07-03T05:52:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/match-review-australia-67-5-usa/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/field-hospital.jpgField HospitalWallaby HQ2011-11-01T18:00:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/match-preview-new-zealand-vs-france/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ruchie.jpgRuchie2011-11-01T17:59:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/match-preview-england-v-romania/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tinds_hrh.jpgtinds_hrh"Ya, might have mentioned that the oiks in the press give the family a hard time." "How far do you think I could throw that little fellow?"2011-11-01T17:59:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/24/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-seven-left-wing/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sitiveni-sivivatu.jpgSitiveni Sivivatu - Stealth BomberSivivatu swoopshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lukefitzgerald_interview.jpgCamera-shy Luke Fitzgeraldhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f8.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Crest2011-11-01T17:59:41+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/24/match-report-england-67-3-romania/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/eng-vs-romania-scrum.jpgThe well-tempered scrumThat's a pretty text-book front-row engagement right there2011-11-01T17:59:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/24/jaccuse-new-zealand-v-france-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lievremont.jpglievremontCouldn't pick his nose2011-11-01T17:59:17+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/24/match-preview-ireland-v-russia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sky_george.jpgsky_georgeThere's a six in the morning? Sky Plus baby!2011-11-01T17:58:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/24/match-preview-argentina-v-scotland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ott.jpgottPool B comes to the big screen2011-11-01T17:58:17+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/25/match-reaction-samoa-27-7-fiji/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/alesana-tuilagi_bosher.jpgThis probably should be a thought bubble, as it accurately reflects what's going on in his headAlesana Tuilagi not on the scoresheet tonight, but a big force2011-11-01T17:58:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/25/match-review-argentina-13-12-scotland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/valdano_argentina1986.jpgJorge ValdanoSporting Argentine philosopher Jorge Valdano. Not pictured: shit on a stick.2011-11-01T17:57:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/26/ireland-vs-russia-reaction-points-win-prizes/2011-11-01T17:57:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/26/ireland-vs-russia-reaction-points-on-the-board/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kicks-vs-tries-2010-11.pngIreland's Scoring Record: Kicks vs Tries 2010-11https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/jonathansexton_unpickable.jpg Sexton giving himself too much time before his place kickJonathan Sexton lines up a kick at something, possible someone standing three metres to the right of the posts2011-11-01T17:56:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/26/rabo-pro-12-leinster-15-10-llanelli/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/joe-schmidt_llannelli.jpgJoe Schmidt_Llaughing in LlannelliYou wouldn't force your worst enemy to watch this game twice2011-11-01T17:56:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/26/a-french-revolution/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/traille_french-revolution.jpgTraille_French RevolutionDamien Traille looses his musket in the direction of Marc Lievremont2011-11-01T17:55:47+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/26/freddie-tuilagi-inserts-big-fat-foot-in-big-fat-face/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/johno-freddie-tuilagi.jpgJohno and Freddie used to be such close chumsJohno and Freddie in happier times; the dwarf-throwing came later2011-11-01T17:55:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/27/lievremont-takes-his-revenge/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/guillotine-for-traille.jpgIt's the guillotine for you, Monsieur TrailleThat'll teach you to ferment revolt on foreign shores2011-11-01T17:55:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/27/cliffy-palu-done-and-dusted/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/wycliff-palu_lays-wood-on-kearney.jpgWycliff Palu lays the wood on Rob KearneyCliffy at his fearsome 2009 best2011-11-01T17:55:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/27/the-usual-suspects/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/no12-vs-italy.jpgThe Usual SuspectsFive criminals. One line-up. No co-incidence. 2011-11-01T17:55:07+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/27/romania-v-georgia-preview/2011-11-01T17:54:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/28/precog-set-pieces-ireland-vs-italy/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/italy-vs-ireland-scrumtime.jpgItaly vs Ireland ScrumtimeDon't think we'll see the same sort of result this time round2011-11-01T17:54:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/28/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-eight-right-wing/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lwazi-mvovo.jpgLwazi Mvovo tears through the well-fed Tan defenseLwazi Mvovo: Zoomhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/strettle.jpgI'll give it back when the photoshoot's done, JohnoDavid Strettle - English kit purely for promotional purposeshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f9.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Crest2011-11-01T17:54:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/27/match-review-usa-eagles-10-27-italy/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/parissepink.jpgSergio ParisseHe's not so tough2011-11-01T17:54:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/29/the-ballad-of-marc-lievremont/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/marc_lievremont_21.jpgMarc Lievremont_The PressureThe sorry end to a career of great service to French rugbyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/marc_lievremont_2.jpgMarc Lievremont_The PressureThe sorry end to the career of a great servant to French rugby 2011-11-01T17:53:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/29/the-wallabies-are-in-danger-of-growing-stale-im-taking-them-into-strange-new-places/2011-11-01T17:52:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/29/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-nine-fullback/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/clement_poitrenaud.jpgClement_PoitrenaudBish Bash Bosh? No thank you. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f10.jpgTeam That Never Travelled Crest2011-11-01T17:52:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/29/its-a-knockout/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/jonny-wilkinson.jpgjonny wilkinsonExcuse me, can you tell me the way to final please? Oh no, it's OK, I remember now.2011-11-01T17:52:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/29/match-preview-samoa-vs-south-africa/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bismarck.jpgSteak-powered monster with no reverse gear. Yes, we do his PR.Bismarck Back for Boks. Bish Bash Bosh?2011-11-01T17:52:23+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/30/match-preview-england-v-scotland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/paterson2.jpgpaterson22011-11-01T17:52:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/01/so-long-samoa/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/samoa-south-africa-rwc-03.jpgsamoa-south-africa-rwc-03SA & Samoa share a contemplative moment2011-11-01T17:51:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/01/match-report-tonga-19-14-france/2011-11-01T17:51:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/01/parisse-one-name-sums-up-a-nation%e2%80%99s-hopes/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sergio-parisse.jpgSergio Parisse - he's not so tough [part 2]"You should see the other guy"2011-11-01T17:51:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/01/the-dagger-sticks-it-to-gorgeous-george/2011-11-01T17:51:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/02/dan-carter-out-of-rwc11/2011-11-01T17:51:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/02/zen-and-the-art-of-recycling-ball-maintenance/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/drico_italy.jpgdrico_italy46 international tries from centre. Outstanding.2011-11-01T17:50:56+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/03/name-that-tune/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/argie-sing.jpgargie sing2011-11-01T17:50:42+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/03/armitage-shanks-paterson-one-week-hard-labour/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/felon-armitage.jpgDelon 'Felon' Armitage up before the beaks ... for the third time this yearI ain't done nuffink.2011-11-01T17:50:29+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/03/rougeries-dislocated-shoulder/2011-11-01T17:50:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/03/is-there-any-reason-that-i-can-completely-bottle-this-decision/2011-11-01T17:50:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/03/match-reaction-nick-malletts-outhalf-plan/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/tommy-bowe_luciano-orquera.jpgTommy-Bowe_Luciano-OrqueraDon't worry little fella, in twenty minutes time I'll be doing the same thing to your replacement2011-11-01T17:49:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/04/gregor-townsend-not-up-to-scratch/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/robinson_townsend.jpgrobinson_townsendRobinson: So are we going to score a try today, Gregor?2011-11-01T17:49:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/04/stress-injuries-the-pivot/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/injured_carter.jpginjured_carter2011-11-01T17:49:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/05/just-who-is-this-colin-slade/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/carter_slade-2.jpgcarter_slade (2)Colin Slade is the Other Guyhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/carter_slade-3.jpgcarter_slade (3)https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/carter_slade.jpgcarter_slade2011-11-01T17:49:15+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/05/le-crunch-england-vs-france/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/picture-1.pngPicture 12011-11-01T17:49:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/05/match-preview-wobs-vs-boks-qf/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/wallaby-scrum-2011.jpgwallaby-scrum-2011... and that's about it. Of course, on the day there'll be a bunch of other guys in front of us, but I reckon we can take them.2011-11-11T20:38:30+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/06/precog-the-analysts-role-in-the-ireland-vs-wales-game/2011-11-01T17:47:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/06/morgan-parra-a-french-crisis-with-an-emerald-lining/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/morgan-parra.jpgMorgan ParraMorgan Parra - with one 'r' it could have been a wonderful car2011-11-01T17:47:33+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/07/match-preview-new-zealand-vs-argentina/2011-11-01T17:47:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/07/the-return-of-the-grey-man/2011-11-01T17:47:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/08/gareth-and-jpr-would-have-been-proud/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/jpr_glory-days.jpgjpr_glory daysGlory days are here again?2011-11-01T17:47:00+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/10/match-reaction-leinster-30-20-connacht/2011-11-01T17:46:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/10/match-over-reaction-ireland-vs-wales/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rwc07-fail.jpgRWC07 FailNow THAT's a failure!2011-11-01T17:46:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/11/in-built-obsolesence/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/irish-team-line-up.jpgIrish Team Line-upStill a lot of good players in that picture2011-11-01T17:46:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/13/semi-finals-%e2%80%93-experience-and-the-fear-factor/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/dingo-deans.jpgDingo DeansThe winningest semi-finalist of them all2011-11-01T17:46:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/14/at-thixes-and-thevens-australia-vs-new-zealand/2011-11-01T17:45:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/14/wales-v-france/2011-11-01T17:45:50+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/15/match-reaction-france-9-8-wales/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sam-warburton-tackle.jpgSam Warburton Dangerous TackleNow I'm just a simple country lawyer, but ...2011-11-01T17:45:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/15/has-fate-already-decided/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/danny_blanchflower_1961.jpgdanny_blanchflower_1961Danny Blanchflower - loved a bit of fate with his greens2011-11-01T17:45:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/16/match-reaction-nz-20-6-australia/2011-11-01T17:45:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/17/red-cards/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/kobus-wiese-is-enormous.jpgkobus wiese is enormousAnswers question, eats microphone2011-11-01T17:45:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/23/what-a-player/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/thierry-dusautoir.jpgThierry DusautoirEnters the Pantheon of the Rugby Greats2011-11-01T17:44:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/24/oconnor-wants-in/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/james_oconnor.jpgJames O'ConnorO'Connor wants more traffic2011-11-01T17:44:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/24/gossip-from-the-mart-beyond-parody/2011-11-01T17:43:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/26/uh-oh-aurelien/2011-11-01T17:43:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/28/you-hang-up-no-you-hang-up-no-i-mean-it-ive-got-a-restraining-order-against-you/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/peteromahonymun2.jpgPeter O'MahonySave Us Obi-Wan, You're Our Only Hope [Fergburger's suggested headline]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/peteromahonymun1.jpgPeter O'MahonySave Us Obi-Wan, You're Our Only Hope [Fergburger's Original Headline]https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/peteromahonymun.jpgPeter O'MahonySave Us Obi Wan, You're Our Only Hope [Fergburger's original headline]2011-11-01T17:42:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/28/edinburgh-v-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ryan_sixhalf.jpgryan_sixhalfA seven or a six and a half?2011-11-01T17:42:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/13/lawes-banned-for-two-weeks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dirty-lawes1.jpgDirty deeds done dirt cheaphttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dirty-lawes.jpgDirty deeds done dirt cheap2011-11-01T13:31:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/13/what-is-to-be-done-with-this-paul-oconnell-and-his-carries/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cant-carry.pngCan't Carryhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/oconnell-carries.pngO'Connell Carries in 2011https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/paulies-crap-carries.jpgPaulie's Crap CarriesSo who's going to be the one to tell him? Not in goals.2011-11-01T13:31:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/14/big-ted-off-home/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/big-ted-sheridan1.jpgBig Ted Off HomeInjury-plagued monster once again plagued by injury monster2011-11-01T13:31:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/14/skrela-out-doussain-in-whither-beauxis/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/beauxis-overlooked_2.jpgI write the songs that Marc Lievremont doesn't singTortured genius overlooked for versatile nipperhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/beauxis-overlooked_small1.jpgI write the song that Marc Lievremont doesn't singTortured genius overlooked in favour of versatile nipperhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/beauxis-overlooked_small.jpgI write the songs that Marc Lievremont doesn't singTormented genius overlooked for versatile nipperhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/beauxis-overlooked.jpgI write the songs that Marc Lievremont doesn't singTormented genius overlooked in favour of versatile nipper2012-01-29T09:29:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/14/match-report-scotland-15-6-georgia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/morrison_not-a-nice-jock.jpgMorrison_Not A Nice JockStoosh ahoy!2011-11-01T13:30:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/14/you-hang-up-no-you-hang-up-no-you-hang-up/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/aac-hearts-drico_1.jpgWhy do birds suddenly appear ...Mate ... I love you, mate. There. I've said it. 2011-11-01T13:30:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/14/match-report-oh-canada-25-20-tonga/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/happy-canucks1.jpgHappy Canuckshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/happy-canucks.jpgHappy Canucks, Tired JokeThe Canadians are going wild for this crazy sport2011-11-01T13:30:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/15/the-team-that-never-travelled-part-one-the-front-row/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-that-never-travelled-crest_f.jpgTeam That Never Travelled CrestThe Best Players Not Selected For The World Cup, Part 1: The Front Row2011-11-01T13:30:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/15/guess-whos-back/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lairy-bakkies_back.jpgLairy Bakkies_He's Back!2011-11-01T13:30:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/16/matty-burke-the-voice-of-reason/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/matty-burke-drinks-a-toast.jpgMatty Burke Drinks A ToastWhen you're right, you're right2011-11-01T13:29:51+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/16/match-preview-australia-vs-ireland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gordon-hamilton-3-edit.jpggordon hamilton 3 edit2011-11-01T13:29:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/16/match-preview-south-africa-vs-fiji/2011-11-01T13:29:31+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/16/match-preview-wales-vs-samoa/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/the-wild-samoans.jpgThe Wild Samoans"This guy thinks he's going to win ... oh."2011-11-01T13:29:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/17/ireland-15-6-australia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mick-doyle-happy-days.jpgMick Doyle_Happy Days!Ireland 15 - 6 Australia2011-11-01T13:29:15+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/17/blue-bullshit-zoolander-spies/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/spies_zoolander_2.jpgMy lats need to be ... at least THREE times this bigKill the Malaysian Prime Minister and then do some box jumps, you big showpony.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/spies_zoolander.jpgMy lats have to be at least ... three times as bigKill the Malaysian Prime Minister and then do some box jumps, you big show pony.2011-11-01T13:29:04+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/08/fleshlumpeater-injured/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lairy-bakkies.jpgLairy Bakkieshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/remorseful-bakkies.jpgRemorseful Bakkies2011-11-01T13:28:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/08/new-zealand-v-tonga/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tonga_big-talk.jpg... and a couple of yellow cardsThe Tongan gameplan2011-11-01T13:28:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/09/match-review-new-zealand-41-10-tonga/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sunny-bull_good-side.jpgSuperstar Sunny-Bull Wull'yums does a Platoon2011-11-01T13:28:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/09/match-preview-england-vs-argentina/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/maradona_england.jpgA little bit of the hand of God ... a little bit of a f*ck you, buddy.Maradona heads one in against Angleterre in a typically unemotional sporting encounter between the two countries 2011-11-01T13:28:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/09/argentina-vs-england/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/federicomendez-2.jpgMendez & Ackfordhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/federicomendez-copy.jpgMendez & Ackford2011-11-01T13:27:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/10/match-preview-sa-vs-wales/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/happy-steenkamp.jpgNot a looker2011-11-01T13:27:41+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/10/specsavers-fairplay-league/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/specsavers-league.pngDirty Leedshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/munster-yellow-card-crest4.jpgG'wan Munster You LigindDropinf off record pace, still way out in fronthttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/munster-yellow-card-crest3.jpgMunster Yellow Card Crest2011-11-01T13:27:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/10/england-v-argentina-review/2011-11-01T13:27:08+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/11/match-review-south-africa-vs-wales/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/warburton_loss.jpgProbably deserved moreHuge performance, no result2011-11-01T13:26:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/12/match-review-ireland-22-10-usa/2011-11-01T13:26:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/12/gamblor-test-match-vs-european-cup-rugby/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gamblor-tactics.jpgGamblor TacticsNo miracles passes here baby2011-11-01T13:26:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/12/match-review-australia-32-6-italy/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/australias-james-oconnor-007.jpgLeave me out for Faainga? I'll show you hot-tempered.Five Italians in his wake, hot-tempered larrikin James O'Connor gets over for a try. Bonzer.2011-11-01T13:26:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/13/first-round-thoughts/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dingo-deans.jpgdingo deansFly my pretties, fly. Just don't try to maul it.2011-11-01T13:25:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/02/ospreys-v-leinster/2011-11-01T13:25:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/04/match-report-munster-20-12-dragons/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/munster-yellow-card-crest2.jpgG'wan Munster You LigindPacemakers in the SpecSavers Fair Play Leaguehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/munster-yellow-card-crest1.jpgG'wan Munster You LigindPacemakers in the SpecSavers Fair Play leaguehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/munster-yellow-card-crest.jpgG'wan Munster You LigindPace-setters In The SpecSavers Fair Play League2011-11-01T13:25:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/04/match-report-ospreys-27-3-leinster/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/george-hook-and-his-opinions.jpgOh, George Hook and your opinions! Will you never learn?All genuine quotes from the Sunday Independent, 03 October 20102011-11-01T13:24:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/06/one-to-watch-manu-tuilagi-england/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tuilagi_happy-sad.jpgWhat a range!Whaddaya mean 'one-dimensional'? I can do happy AND sad.2011-11-01T13:24:33+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/08/brand-haskell-keeps-tom-crofts-jersey-warm/2011-11-01T13:24:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/29/ireland-vs-england-reaction-episode-1-s-u-c-c-e-s-s-thats-the-way-you-spell-eh/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/the-dog-ate-my-homework.jpgDeclan Kidney, Gert Smal and Alan Gaffney 17/2/2010Alan Gaffney. Lovely guy. Not overly enthusiastic with how he's got our attack 'functioning'.2011-11-01T13:23:46+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/29/ireland-vs-england-reaction-episode-2-the-payoff-of-being-seen-to-avoid-eddie-osullivans-bearpit/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/osullivan-kidney.jpgI Didn't Even Have To Photoshop ThisAugust 2007 in Ravenhill and Declan Kidney is struck by a precognition of the future four years from now.2011-11-01T13:23:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/29/ireland-vs-england-reaction-episode-3-decision-making-what-decision-making/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/now-thats-a-language-i-can-understand.jpgNow That's A Language I Can UnderstandAt least there's something behind it. 2011-11-01T13:23:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/30/g%e2%80%99day-australia-i%e2%80%99m-excited-%e2%80%93-australia-squad-preview/2011-11-01T13:23:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/30/i-hear-marlborough-does-a-very-good-sauvignon-blanc/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/mike-tindall_pints.jpgMike Tindall_PintsSomeone else has to drive home though, I left my keys at the palace ... and I've been banned from driving for three years. 2011-11-01T13:22:57+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/01/the-pink-panther-strikes-again-%e2%80%93-france-world-cup/2011-11-01T13:22:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/01/do-you-have-fire-argentina-squad-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gaucho-mate-argentina.gifLedesma's Other Brother, The One Who Doesn't Play For StadeDon't have a maté, it's absolutely rank. It tastes like wet dog.2011-11-01T13:22:07+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/19/mortlock-cipriani-and-the-melbourne-rebels/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/mortlockcipriani.jpgStirling Mortlock and Danny Cipriani2011-11-01T13:21:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/22/irish-rwc-2011-squad-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/declan-kidney-smiling_subtitled.jpgDeclan Kidney Smiling_subtitled2011-11-01T13:21:16+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/22/boks-club-baby-blacks-sa-vs-nz-match-report/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fleshlumpeater-gizzardgulper2.jpgFleshlumpeater & GizzardgulperFleshlumpeater and Gizzardgulper share moment, lunchhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fleshlumpeater-gizzardgulper1.jpgFleshlumpeater & Gizzardgulperhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fleshlumpeater-gizzardgulper.jpgFleshlumpeater & GizzardgulperFleshlumpeater and Gizzardgulper share moment, lunch2011-11-01T13:20:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/23/scotland-rwc-2011-squad-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/braveheart_doctored.jpgFull of Scots!2011-11-01T13:20:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/24/sweet-chariots-barbour-jackets-big-lumps/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gillray_-_john_bull_taking_a_luncheon.jpgGillray_-_John_Bull_taking_a_Luncheon2011-11-01T13:20:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/24/fleshlumpeater-gizzardgulper-and-the-bad-giants/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/shok-bok-omissions.jpgShok Bok OmissionsBloodbottler, Childchewer, Meatdripper, Maidmasher and Gizzardgulper Make Cut2011-11-01T13:19:59+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/24/ruhspuct-thuh-huhkuh-smuddy-nz-world-cup-squad-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/black-lace_sorry.jpgBlack Lace_Sorry2011-11-01T13:19:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/24/now-thats-a-vote-of-confidence/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/galthie_delira.jpgGalthie_deliraOh, don't mind me. I'll just hang around here in Montpellier being the obvious man for the job.2011-11-01T13:19:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/25/ye-cannae-win-anything-wi-kids/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/welsh-on-tour.jpgWelsh on Tour2011-11-01T13:18:57+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/25/australia-v-new-zealand-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bledisloe-cup_subtitled1.jpgBledisloe Cup_subtitledhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bledisloe-cup_subtitled.jpgBledisloe Cup_subtitled2011-11-01T13:18:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/26/just-try-and-keep-the-tackles-down-lads-manu-samoa-squad-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/headshrinkers1.jpgHeadshrinkers"There's a ball in this game?"https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/headshrinkers.jpgHeadshrinkers2011-11-01T13:17:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/28/australia-v-new-zealand-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/big-kev.jpgBig KevBig Kev Knows ... How To Win 'Em. https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/samo.jpgSamo2011-11-01T13:17:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/19/connacht-vs-ireland-xv/2011-11-01T13:15:23+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/19/south-africa-v-new-zealand-preview/2011-11-01T13:15:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/18/matt-giteau-and-robbie-deans/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/deansgiteau.jpgdeansgiteau2012-09-27T22:28:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/12/report-card-front-five/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/kidney1.jpgkidneyTeacher Drafts Up His Reportshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/kidney.jpgkidney2011-11-01T08:31:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/17/report-card-back-row/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sean-obrien.jpgSean O'Brien2011-11-01T08:30:32+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/18/report-card-half-back/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rog.jpgrogI'll have a monkey on the jolly at the next in Lingfield.2011-11-01T08:30:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/19/report-card-centres/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/drico_barnet.jpgdrico_barnetNice barnet2011-11-01T08:29:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/20/report-card-back-three/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/earls_superstar.jpgearls_superstarI wanna be a superstar2011-11-01T08:29:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/21/report-card-the-springboks/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/bakiesvictor2.jpgBakkies Botha and Victor Matfield2011-11-01T08:29:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/22/report-card-the-wallabies/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/australian-national-rugby-world-cup-team.jpgAdvancing Australia All The Way To Shameful BronzeThe Third Best Team In Th World - Officially!2011-11-01T08:29:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/30/report-card-st-boshingtons-first-xv-england/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/st-boshingtons_first-xv.jpgSt Boshingtons_First XVIt's Just Hijinks! 2011-11-01T08:28:07+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/11/01/report-card-the-pink-panther-departs-france/2011-11-02T19:08:40+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/20/bastille-day-never-falls-in-october/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/dernier-bastille.jpgdernier bastille2011-10-20T15:09:58+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/19/keith-murdoch/2011-10-19T20:40:35+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/19/and-the-winner-is/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ogara_weepu.jpgPiri Weepu's ArseYou're looking at the arse of one of the best six rugby players in the world, apparently2011-10-20T10:35:27+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/10/surprise-surprise/2011-10-10T10:04:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/01/marge-you-made-me-miss-joe-theismann/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/dan-carter-is-down-and-hes-hurt.jpgDan Carter is down and he's hurtThe great Dan Carter is in doubt for the quarter-finals2011-10-03T07:41:34+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/10/02/dont-let-the-door-king-hit-you-on-the-way-out/2011-10-02T14:31:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/30/guess-whos-back-2/2011-10-01T15:44:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/28/settling-in-thoughts/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011_world-cup1.jpg2011_world cuphttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011_world-cup.jpg2011_world cup2011-09-29T12:19:01+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/28/bonzer-commentary-from-the-hosts/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/georgian-king-kong.jpgGeorgian King KongKiwi commentators play a blinder! 2011-09-28T12:42:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/27/separated-at-birth-9/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab9-nick-clooney.jpgSAB#9 Nick Clooney2011-09-27T14:51:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/25/i-just-called-to-say/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dingo_giteau.jpgdingo_giteauSo, if this works, how do you want to share the credit?2011-09-25T11:04:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/25/matty-williams-channels-solzhenitsyn/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/matt_williams_gulag-archipelago.jpgMatty Williams_Gulag ArchipelagoThis mornings's intellectual rumination2011-09-25T06:55:25+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/31/261/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bonpensiero-ocallaghan-exposed.jpgBonpensiero OCallaghan Exposed2007 - Take This As a Metaphor For Our Economy2011-09-25T04:39:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/23/justice-has-a-new-name/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bronson_subtitle1.jpgbronson_subtitlehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bronson_subtitle.jpgbronson_subtitle2011-09-25T04:37:43+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/30/bloody-good-bloke-actually/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tim-nice-but-dim.jpgTim Nice But Dim2011-09-25T04:35:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/31/separated-at-birth-1/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/sab1-jabba_bastareaud.jpgSeparated At Birth: Jabba and MatthieuIt's Glandular, I'm Sure2011-09-25T04:35:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/01/separated-at-birth-2/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab2-dewi-odlum.jpgI'm Surprised More People Haven't NoticedI Stole Your Joke, Keano!2011-09-25T04:34:20+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/02/separated-at-birth-3/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab3-kurtley-gable1.jpgSAB#3 Kurtley GableIn honour of the 2011 John Eales Medal Winner and the 1934 'Best Actor' Academy Award Winnerhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab3-kurtley-gable.jpgSAB#3 Kurtley Gable2011-09-25T04:33:37+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/03/separated-at-birth-4/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab4-sloth-borthwick.jpgSAB#4 Sloth BorthwickSure, it's not entirely fair. It's not all that harsh either, though.2011-09-25T04:33:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/04/separated-at-birth-5/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab5-frans-graf1.jpgSAB#5 Frans GrafTake two bottles into the shower? I just wash and go.https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab5-frans-graf.jpgSAB#5 Frans GrafTake two bottles into the shower? I just wash and go. 2011-09-25T04:32:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/24/george-smith-and-rwc11/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/george-smith.jpgGeorge Smith with his most recent John Eales MedalGeorge Smith with his most recent John Eales Medal2011-09-27T00:02:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/tomorrow-morning/2011-09-23T15:05:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/behaviour-unbecoming-to-a-trinity-man/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/scott-lavalla_the-ear-pull.jpgScott Lavalla_The Ear PullCheika will have that ear reefed off you if you carry on with that nonsense2015-04-02T21:59:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/23/gossip-from-the-mart-parochialism-abu/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gossip-from-the-mart3.jpgWait'll you hear what somebody told me down at the BNP meeting last night ...Fergburger on nationalism, localism, parochialism, jingoism etc. 2011-09-24T06:07:34+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/19/nostradamus-guscott-tells-it-like-it-was-is-now-and-forever-shall-be/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/smug-guscott.jpgSmug Guscott2011-09-19T08:30:22+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/15/match-preview-nz-v-japan/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/happier-times.jpghappier timesHappier times in Cardiff2011-09-15T17:30:55+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/14/hi-im-gord-mckinnon/2011-09-14T14:15:38+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/10/468/2011-09-10T19:16:02+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/10/i-cant-think-of-any-job-where-you-could-legitimately-watch-this-without-fear-of-repercussion/2011-09-10T15:30:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/10/separated-at-birth-8/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab8-eric-burger.jpgSAB#8 Eric BurgerCurly-haired blindside meanies2011-09-10T15:20:28+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/09/france-v-japan-preview/2011-09-09T17:23:45+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/09/one-to-watch-richie-gray-scotland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/richiegray.jpgEven Nallet's not that interested in tackling him"Slow, cumbersome and like Bambi on ice": is that right, Jerry?2011-09-09T14:56:49+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/08/one-to-watch-joe-tuineau-tonga/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/joetuineau_southland.jpgBig Joe Tuineau makes a cut and it's off to the races for SouthlandThat outhalf is not happy being left to tackle Big Joehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/joe-tuineau_wadlow.jpgOut of my way, little manJoe Tuineau, All-American ... eh, All-Fijian? Sorry, All-Tongan2011-09-08T07:39:13+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/08/one-to-watch-israel-dagg-new-zealand/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/israel-dagg-mils-muliaina-006.jpgIt Takes Two, Baby - Me And You. It Just Takes Two. Two-oo-oo etcIsrael and Mils in happier times2011-09-08T06:54:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/26/one-to-watch-mamuka-gorgodze-georgia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gorgodze_smash1.jpgGorgodze_Smash"You wouldn't like me when I'm angry. And that's all the time."2011-09-07T13:03:12+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/06/363/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gorgodze-tekori1.pngGorgodzilla vs MothraCheck out how small the ball looks!https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gorgodze-tekori.pngGorgodze & Tekori2011-09-07T08:00:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/07/gossip-from-the-mart-the-fergburger-chronicles/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gossip-from-the-mart1.jpgWait'll you hear what somebody told me in Fergburger last night ...Wait'll you hear what somebody told me in Fergburger last night ...2011-09-07T07:11:24+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/07/one-to-watch-conor-murray-ireland/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/conor-murray_passing-is-easy.jpgWhat's the big deal? Can't everybody do this ... [crickets]All the potential to be the best Irish scrum-half of the last thirty years2011-09-07T06:28:46+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/07/joe-schmidt-he-used-to-be-a-teacher/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kidney_schmidt_1.jpgSo ... many ... possibilitiesYou can expect a good few more of these ...2011-09-07T06:14:15+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/07/separated-at-birth-7/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab7-lionel-beethoven.jpgSAB#7 Lionel BeethovenOne of the Mole's favourites. Picking Skrela over Beauxis is like picking David Gray over Beethoven, M. Lievremont.2011-09-07T05:57:00+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/06/crystal-ball-gazing-1/2011-09-06T07:29:03+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/06/separated-at-birth-6/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sab-6-busted-flood.jpgSAB #6 Busted FloodPoor old Tobes: what, did you really think you were going to play in a World Cup when Johnno could pick le Jonny?2011-09-06T06:48:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/05/one-to-watch-pat-mccabe-australia/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pat-mccabe-grey-man.jpgPat McCabe_Grey ManWhat does this guy actually do? Stay tuned to find out. 2011-09-06T17:47:26+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/05/352/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ralapelle-and-maori.jpgJeez, don't be a sook; there's no use crying about it, man2011-09-05T16:28:39+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/05/341/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bonponsiero-ocallaghan-ticket.jpgLionel Nallet and Brad Carnegie Thorn are shitting themselves as well.2011-09-06T13:25:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/03/one-to-watch-martin-rodriguez-gurruchaga/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/martin-rodriguez-gurruchaga_11.jpgMartín Rodríguez GurruchagaLatest In The Line of Puma And Stade Fullbackshttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/martin-rodriguez-gurruchaga_1.jpgMartin Rodriguez GurruchagaLatest in a line of talented Puma and Stade Francais fullbacks2011-09-04T17:38:57+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/03/gossip-from-the-mart/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gossip-from-the-mart.jpgWait'll You Hear What Somebody Told Me In Coppers ...Wait'll You Hear What Somebody Told Me In Coppers ...2011-09-03T06:40:06+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/02/hes-no-diego-dominguez-italy-squad-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/italy-home-away.pngItaly Home & Away Recordhttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/azurri-hum-anthem.jpgJust Hum It ... 'Hey Salvatori! Why you-a no sing-a wid-a yo accent no more?"2011-09-02T09:58:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/09/02/one-to-watch-napolioni-nalaga-fiji/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nalaga_charge.jpgNapolioni 'Naps' NalagaProbably the best try-scorer in the world [with apologies to Carlsberg]2011-09-02T07:02:48+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/31/a-decade-of-six-nations-and-they-put-you-on-the-day-shift/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/a-decade-of-six-nations.pngA Decade of Six Nations https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/the-dagger-drico-celebrate-04-triple-crown.jpgGlory Days Down At The Wanderers End2011-08-31T18:42:44+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/31/one-to-watch-joe-tekori-samoa/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/joe-tekori_bigger-boat.jpgJoe Tekori_Bigger BoatThat's One Big Dude2011-08-31T07:21:14+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/30/233/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/paddy-wallace-world-cup-tripler-text.jpgPaddy Wallace World Cup Tripler 2011-08-30T06:43:56+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/30/one-to-watch-patrick-lambie-south-africa/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/lambie-vs-steyn1.jpgLambie vs SteynAnybody Home McFly?https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/lambie-vs-steyn.jpgLambie vs Steyn2011-08-30T06:42:53+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/29/ireland-vs-england-reaction-episode-4-fragile-do-not-drop/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fragile-do-not-drop1.jpgFragile Do Not DropHandle With Carehttps://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fragile-do-not-drop.jpgFragile Do Not Drop2011-08-29T13:21:54+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/26/ireland-v-england-preview/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/spala_ireland.jpgspala_ireland2011-08-26T16:47:36+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/25/two-big-calls/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/two-big-calls.jpgTwo Big CallsMcFadden: "It's like looking in a fairground mirror ... at a carney."2011-08-25T15:07:21+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/2011/08/21/ireland-vs-france-review/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/oleary-intercept_subtitle.jpgO'Leary Intercept_subtitle2011-08-24T11:13:18+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.com/about/2019-10-28T15:53:41+00:00weekly0.6https://dementedmole.com/2011/08/21/the-scrum-half-equation/https://dementedmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/scrum-half-equation.jpgScrum-half EquationBoss, Murray, Reddan, O'Leary, Stringer: Five Into Two Does Go, But We Want Integer Scrum-Halves2011-08-24T07:27:11+00:00monthlyhttps://dementedmole.comdaily1.02024-04-21T14:53:22+00:00