The Counter Ruck

Mark Palmer, Scottish rugby correspondent at The Times, joins Nathan Johns to preview Ireland’s clash with Scotland.

The winner takes home the Triple Crown and has a shot at the outright Six Nations title, pending the result between England and France later on Saturday evening. Mark tries to figure out if Scotland have a genuine chance at breaking an 11-match losing run to Ireland or if this is the latest example of Scottish hubris.

How has Gregor Townsend turned around this campaign after an opening defeat in Rome was followed up by sensational wins over England and France? Are Ireland really there for the taking?

Produced by John Casey.
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A sensational weekend of Six Nations action leaves us anticipating a bumper Super Saturday to decide the title.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s win over Wales, Scotland’s thumping of France and Italy’s historic victory over England. Scotland, France and Ireland are all mathematically in the hunt for the title, while the winner of Ireland vs Scotland will take home the Triple Crown.

Might this finally be the weekend where Scotland, fresh off their stunning win over France, get over their Ireland hoodoo?

Produced by John Casey.
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This was a much-changed Ireland side from the one who performed heroics at Twickenham against England two weeks ago. And there was much to admire given their blistering start, but question marks too.

And have Wales finally turned a corner after so long in the doldrums? They played like a rejuvenated team, organised and tenacious, and offering a real threat going forward at times.

Ireland could only breathe easy with 77 minutes on the clock when Jack Crowley made it a ten-point game.

Host Nathan Johns is joined by Irish Times Rugby Correspondent Gerry Thornley.

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Andy Farrell has made five changes to the starting XV ahead of Friday’s clash with Wales.

Unusual, perhaps, to mix up a winning formula after a stunning day out at Twickenham.

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through what it all means.

Have Ireland embraced more rotation in a slightly tweaked selection policy? What to expect of Wales, a banana skin or as downtrodden as ever?

Produced by John Casey.
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Sam Larner has, quite literally, written the book on data in rugby.

In his recent publication, Attacking the Space: Inside rugby’s data and tactics revolution, Larner attempts to explain why the game looks the way it does in a manner accessible to the Irish fan.

He joins Nathan Johns to explain why data shapes Ireland’s recent tactical evolution towards a kicking game, why putting boot to ball isn’t an inherently ugly thing, why Leinster changed their props so early in the game and how Munster have lost ’the best attack coach in the world.'

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.