High-flying Connacht prepare for 'physical battle'
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentConnacht's impressive start to the season continued last weekend when they beat Ospreys but coach Pat Lam knows that another tough test lies ahead this evening (6.45).
All Blacks stronger in every other sector but hunter-gatherers Pocock and Hooper give Wallabies hope
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentDespite the hosts not making the knockouts, despite Ireland crumbling at the quarter-final and despite the Rugby Championship Four taking over the final fortnight, this has been a hugely enjoyable World...
Munster to miss gentleman Jones
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentIt was with a real sense of shock I received the news of Felix Jones' premature retirement from a game he has graced so well. In pure playing terms, I would have been critical on occasion in so far as...
Sexton fit to make Leinster return
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentJohnny Sexton will make his first start for Leinster since returning from a two-year spell in France with Racing Metro when the Blues take on Benetton Treviso tomorrow (3.0).
Alan Quinlan: Australians can upset champions in back-row battle
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentI'm torn. Most of the evidence points to a New Zealand win and a second World Cup in a row, but I have a sneaky feeling that Australia's ability to pull a score out of nowhere could see them to victory...
Isa Nacewa: Mental edge sets All Blacks apart from the rest
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentI can't see anything other than an All Blacks victory this afternoon, even though Australia have become a great team under Michael Cheika and they are the only team to have beaten them this year.
Low to the ground or invisible man in game’s titanic clash
1 decade ago by The TimesRichie McCaw and David Pocock, two supreme poachers, will lock horns at Twickenham this afternoon and it will be a...
Key clashes of the World Cup final
1 decade ago by The TimesNew Zealand players first: Richie McCaw v David Pocock Showdown at the breakdown. McCaw is being hailed by the All...
Fright night for New Zealand
1 decade ago by The TimesLlanelli 9 New Zealand 3 (Stradey Park, 1972) It is known as the day when the pubs ran dry in...
Wallaby gaffe reveals final game plan
1 decade ago by The TimesAustralia’s blueprint for beating New Zealand was exposed on the eve of the World Cup final, with the Wallabies planning...
