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InternationalIreland

The Short Ball - RWC2023

On this week’s episode of The Short Ball, Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina discuss the merits of each of the three Rugby World Cup bids for 2023.

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Listen in to the full podcast here.

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Latest Long Reads

LONG READ

'Ireland are consumed by chaos, but Andy Farrell's choice of 10 is becoming clear'

As he manages a swathe of absentees, Farrell may be tempted to plump with his most familiar playmaker despite intense competition.

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LONG READ

Why England's ex-pats are hurting France's backrow depth chart

The Top 14 is a retirement home for a wealth of gifted ex-England backrows and it's weakening France's resources

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Brendan Fanning: 'Getting games into Niall Smyth would add another layer to Ireland's insurance policy.'

Ireland's depth chart is being tested as never before and it's at loosehead where they're seriously stretched so youth must be given its head

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Comments on RugbyPass

E
Ed the Duck 10 minutes ago
'A dangerous thing': Rassie Erasmus issues sombre warning over Razor axing

Rassie you rascal!!! He doesn’t comment on the culture of other countries but then proceeds to imply that the story is more or less out for those in the know with “If we get to know the real reasons, we may not be so surprised.” and follows that up with “I’m not saying there was an issue but player power can be a problem”.

So it was ardie, in the black room with the lead pipe!!! 🤣🤣



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6 Go to comments
S
SB 19 minutes ago
Ethan Blackadder to captain Crusaders against Highlanders in Timaru

Yet he still played more games in the calendar year over Blackadder, 19 to 16.

Unlucky, once again I hope the facts help!



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11 Go to comments
E
Ed the Duck 22 minutes ago
'There may be a surprise or two, but the meat of the 2026 Six Nations will rest between France, Ireland and England’

Oh don’t you worry, I’m in good company!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

“I think France will be a little bit too tough for the first game, I hate saying that because I'm recently out of the dressing room, but I do think it'll be a little bit too far to go…I'm worried now with the front-row issues and the loose-head situation and the way it ties into the story of the South Africa game“ Connor Murray



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341 Go to comments
S
SC 32 minutes ago
Ethan Blackadder to captain Crusaders against Highlanders in Timaru

And how many tests did Jacobson play last season? Zero.

Hope the facts help!



...

11 Go to comments
S
SB 57 minutes ago
Why England's ex-pats are hurting France's backrow depth chart

I think it is over for Taofifenua, he always said he will not make it at the next World Cup and him not being in the 42 shows the shift towards the future. I think his appearances in November last year were a kind of “thank you for your service” caps. The other players who have been doing well at 5 in Top 14 are Maximin and Pesenti. Both have got caps in the past, but Tuilagi is probably better than them if he can get a good run of form.

12 Go to comments
S
SB 59 minutes ago
'Ireland are consumed by chaos, but Andy Farrell's choice of 10 is becoming clear'

It would be a big call to select Bryne, who has never started a 6N game yet on opening night away to France.

6 Go to comments
J
JD Kiwi 1 hour ago
The coaching conundrum part three: Time is running out for Australia and New Zealand

Thanks for those insights.

485 Go to comments
S
SB 1 hour ago
Ex-France powerhouse Virimi Vakatawa joins Fijian Drua

Would be awesome to see him back playing.

1 Go to comments
S
SB 1 hour ago
'A dangerous thing': Rassie Erasmus issues sombre warning over Razor axing



“If we get to know the real reasons, we may not be so surprised.”

6 Go to comments
S
SB 1 hour ago
John Mitchell signs long-term contract with World Cup winning Red Roses

Wonder how many years long term is.

4 Go to comments
P
PMcD 1 hour ago
The coaching conundrum part three: Time is running out for Australia and New Zealand

If you ever head over to Ireland, play either Royal County Down in Newcastle or Old Head Golf Club in Kinsale (just South of Cork).

They are probably the two best golf courses I have played in my life. Well worth a visit if you love your golf . . . . But it’s easier to beat the SB’s than break par on those courses. 🤣



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485 Go to comments
f
fl 1 hour ago
Why England's ex-pats are hurting France's backrow depth chart

I really hope Tuilagi can find fitness again. If he reaches his full potential then France are going to be very well stocked at 5, but he’s so huge that I wouldn’t be surprised if his body just won’t ever do what its supposed to.

I hope its not all over for Taofifenua, but he will be 37 at the next world cup.



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12 Go to comments
B
BC1812 1 hour ago
McKenzie signs for childhood club in latest Wallaroo code swap

Not good news for the Wallaroos

1 Go to comments
J
JB 1 hour ago
'Ireland are consumed by chaos, but Andy Farrell's choice of 10 is becoming clear'

The scrum has collapsed, front‑row depth is thin, and injuries are stripping away control rather than just talent. That forces Ireland into constant scramble mode, which works occasionally but isn’t a sustainable way to win a Six Nations. Ireland aren’t unlucky, they’re exposed. There’s depth at fly‑half, but no authority. They’re being figured out and outmuscled. Right now they look predictable, physically vulnerable, and a step behind the best — and that’s a dangerous place for a team built on control.

6 Go to comments
J
JB 2 hours ago
'A dangerous thing': Rassie Erasmus issues sombre warning over Razor axing

Coming from a two-time World Cup–winning coach, the point about player power feels more like a knowing reminder than a warning shot. Elite teams need player input, but not players running the show. Rassie’s also been there before — inheriting a struggling Springbok side and turning things around quickly — so the underlying message is simple enough: New Zealand will be fine, and coaching jobs at the top are never as straightforward as they look.

6 Go to comments
M
MM 2 hours ago
World Rugby appoint ex-New Zealand CEO Mark Robinson to key new role

Big potential mistake contracting Rassie until 2031. What if he doesn’t win the RWC in 2027? You’ll be left with yesterday’s man and a massive payout if you want to discard him!

Just remember, the Boks now have the favourite’s tag and that brings a whole new level of pressure they’re going to have to handle…..



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62 Go to comments
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RugCs 2 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part three: Time is running out for Australia and New Zealand

No need to worry. Gatland and Pivac have recent international experience taking Wales to new lows and, once you hit rock bottom the only way is up. Then of course there is Rennie and Joseph still in the fight.

485 Go to comments
G
GRB13 2 hours ago
'A dangerous thing': Rassie Erasmus issues sombre warning over Razor axing

There definitely were other issues, but the pale into insignificance compared to losing the changing room.

6 Go to comments
P
PMcD 2 hours ago
Will Butt to leave Bath for West Country rivals

Bath were very lucky - Redpath and Lawrence were first choice centres but Butt & Ojomoh were very good (cheap salary) players that filled the void behind them.

We’ve had great value from them moving from £27k (Academy) through to about £125k but they quickly become very expensive luxuries in that 26-30 age bracket when the salary expectations really jump up (it doubles).



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6 Go to comments
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Bob Salad II 2 hours ago
Will Butt to leave Bath for West Country rivals

Bummer. Will Butt’s an exciting signing though. I’ve been banging his drum for a while now and he was definitely under utilized at Bath.

6 Go to comments
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