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Nick McCarthy’s courage in challenging a taboo in male team sport will smooth a pathway for those who follow in his footsteps
Andy Farrell’s Ireland face the most inhospitable of rugby climates in New Zealand
No indigenous talent production line is capable of fulfilling all of a team’s needs and as the province’s history shows foreign recruits have been hugely influential in a winning culture
Province’s performance issues cannot be fixed without first accepting there is a problem
Fact that Leo Cullen’s side led with a minute to go having been substandard in performance terms difficult to dismiss
If Leinster maintain their quick ruck speed they will get the tries they need to win
Having come tantalisingly close in recent years, this Leinster group has what it takes
Leinster can take advantage of Munster’s softening up of French side for semi-final
Steve Borthwick is reinstalling that old element of hardness in his side
It’s time for Ulster players to take responsibility, but who is in charge now at Munster?
Present disciplinary process is not proving a significant deterrent and threatens future participation levels
Full-strength Toulouse will travel to Belfast in expectation, not simply hope
Lack of creative attacking patterns ensures Van Graan’s side are too easy to defend against
After a slow burn, newest recruits from South Africa are making their presence felt
New Zealand’s prep for summer tour will focus on how Ireland played in Six Nations