Josh Van

8 results

England’s Joe Cokasaniga scores his side’s first try of the game against Ireland during the World Cup warm-up clash at Twickenham, London. Photograph: David Davies/PA
Lineout and defensive malfunctions key to Ireland’s dismal day

England 57 Ireland 15 True, it was the first hit out of the season for all but three of the side. They were in warm-weather training in Portugal unti(...)

Seán O’Brien leaves the pitch after breaking his arm against Argentina. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Latest injury threatens Seán O’Brien’s thunderous legacy

“He’s a stubborn man,” says Joe Schmidt admiringly. To get to the point where such words seem appropriate seems no place to be. Headstrong. Unshakable(...)

Scott Fardy: the Australian international will play his first competitive match for Leinster
Leinster likely winners in tough examination

Dragons v Leinster, Rodney Parade (3.15, live on Sky Sports) James Ryan will emulate Brian O’Driscoll if he is called from the bench in Wales in tha(...)

Joey Carbery gets his first Leinster start since last November when his side face Edinburgh on Friday night. Photograph: Inpho/Gary Carr
Joey Carbery gets Leinster start as Johnny Sexton stays with Ireland

Johnny Sexton remained with Ireland this week and will not take part in Leinster’s game against Edinburgh on Friday night in the RDS. But Leinster coa(...)

Ireland’s Craig Gilroy goes after a loose ball at the Stadio Olimpico. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Liam Toland: Ireland thrived by having deeper box of tricks

Nine tries to one with two hat-tricks. Craig Gilroy scored his between the 68th minute and full time, which is one try every four minutes. And there w(...)

Conor Murray and Ben Smith compete during Saturday’s clash: “Having lost 21-9, I was troubled with how to frame such a brutal Test match.” Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
Liam Toland: Plenty to build on after All Blacks onslaught

“For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour of triumph, a tumultuous parade. The conquerors rode in a trium(...)

Ireland players Rob Kearney (left) and Jamie Heaslip celebrate following their 40-29 victory over New Zealand. Photograph: Getty
Ireland end 111 years of hurt to beat the All Blacks

Ireland 40 New Zealand 29 Finally. As Rory Best declared in his on-field post-match interview at a rowdy Soldier Field in Chicago, it’s been a long(...)

Seán O’Brien and Peter O’Mahony could have a big impact against the All Blacks if they are introduced from the bench. Photograph: Marcus Sheridan/Inpho
Liam Toland: Joe Schmidt’s men can stop the All Blacks in their tracks

O Captain! My Captain! – Walt Whitman’s iconic poem about the untimely demise of American president Abraham Lincoln comes to mind. Oh Captain! My Cap(...)