An examination of Ireland’s rececent statistics reveal a team that defends well under pressure but struggles to create clean breaks, exploit the maul and convert possession into points. The November Tests offer a chance to respond.
As the dominant force in recent history, Leinster will carry the target when the sides meet this Saturday night, because they are the team Munster must still measure themselves against.
Munster still has the name, the ground and the history. What it needs now is a functioning pathway, fuller stands and a willingness to confront what has gone wrong.
Analysis of last season's stats may offer some pointers about prospects for Ireland's professional clubs in 2026-27, but there are a lot of other factors at play in each province.
Leinster are still sore about losing Joey Carbery to Munster eight years ago, but behind that individual story is a wider and ongoing issue about talent circulation – and the lack of it.
Noel McNamara and Ronan O’Gara are less than two hours apart on France’s Atlantic coast, helping drive two of European rugby’s most successful clubs. Their stories offer a glimpse of what modern professional rugby can look like.
South Africa's head coach has led the way in recent innovative thinking. His Springboks team now takes on the All Blacks in four Test matches and the rugby world will be keen to see what he comes up with next.
Glass half full or half empty? Wrong question. The glass is fine. It's the quality of the wine we should be worried about.
Ireland's season has exposed cracks in depth, cohesion and succession planning, but Andy Farrell's side arrives at Eden Park with one final chance to prove those problems are fixable rather than fundamental.
The trophies are already secured. The lasting verdict on Cullen's reign may depend on whether Leinster can emerge from his shadow without suffering the effects of authority decay.
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