Harlequins’ away win in Toulouse proves yet again what a great tournament the HEC is and puts in place some interesting pool arithmetic, with one of the Irish provinces centrally involved in the unfolding tale in Pool 6. Continue reading
The Iceberg does some damage
In a very timely show of strength, Toulouse put the brakes on the Harlequins bandwagon with a 21-10 win at The Stoop. Quins have been rightly lauded for their very strong start to the season, but all too often the English rugby media can cheerlead without putting results in context. Continue reading
Set Piece Pressure
Harlequins face Toulouse with a five day turnaround having travelled the short distance to Wasps last Sunday. Quins have set the pace in the Premiership this season as Conor O’Shea’s low-profile revival washes away some of the Bloodgate stain. Continue reading
Kev McLaughlin and Jean Bouilhou: they don't just look alike
Kev McLaughlin could be Leinster’s version of Toulouse’s Jean Bouilhou, a player for whom the Mole has a whole heap of time. Bouilhou got his first cap for France back in 2001 as a 22 year old down in New Zealand, then got a second two years later in 2003 on tour to Argentina before the World Cup … and that’s the sum of his international career. Continue reading
Yozzer Sean Edward’s column in the Grauniad makes for rib-tickling reading. Continue reading
Digging Like a Demented Mole 