Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Munster and Leinster savour sweet scent of two Champions Cup semi-finals

It will be a cause of much celebration, not least in the Neuchatel offices of the Champions Cup organisers, that the Irish are back at the summit of European rugby.

Mon, 03 Apr, 2017

Racing 92 v Munster - European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 1 Round 1 Refixture

Stars aligning as Munster defying the odds again

So much has changed since Munster set out on their inaugural fixture in this season’s Champions Cup campaign that it’s difficult to grasp that they now sit just 80 minutes away from an appearance in the semi-final stage of the tournament.

Wed, 29 Mar, 2017

Ireland find the perfect mix of technical excellence

While Ireland still have three tests to play before the season officially comes to a close in June - two in Japan and one en-route against the USA in New York - the Lions tour means it will be November before Joe Schmidt gets his full squad together again.

Mon, 20 Mar, 2017

Ireland must ask the right questions and innovate

Joe Schmidt must have given serious consideration to putting Peter O’Mahony in the starting line-up, writes Donal Lenihan.

Sat, 18 Mar, 2017

England have searing pace but still vulnerable

I’m confused. Just over two weeks ago I left Twickenham happy in my own mind that, if Ireland could negotiate what, even at that time, looked like a tricky assignment in Cardiff against Wales, the game against England in Dublin would take care of itself.

Wed, 15 Mar, 2017

To finish with two wins from five would be catastrophic

Italy showed two weeks ago that when England are taken out of their comfort zone, they are vulnerable, writes Donal Lenihan.

Mon, 13 Mar, 2017

Quality, not desperation, gets you over the line in tight games

Donal Lenihan examines the areas that will illuminate Ireland v Wales under Cardiff’s Friday night lights.

Fri, 10 Mar, 2017

Wales up for it: Forewarned is to be forearmed

Ahead of their Six Nations clash with Ireland, Donal Lenihan says the Welsh players have plenty of reasons to dig deep and deliver a potential season’s high.

Wed, 08 Mar, 2017

England caught between a ruck and a hard place

This Six Nations championship had already provided some engaging contests but, with six fixtures remaining, none is likely to divide opinion more than that rather bizarre game in Twickenham last Sunday.

Wed, 01 Mar, 2017

Super Johnny Sexton shows why he’s Joe Schmidt’s man

Given the close nature of this fixture in the Six Nations in recent years, a 10 point win is not to be sniffed at, writes Donal Lenihan.

Mon, 27 Feb, 2017