Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Three areas that'll decide the South African test series

There’s a huge onus on Ireland’s new boys to hold the defensive line, writes Donal Lenihan.

Sat, 25 Jun, 2016

Time for Irish players to grasp opportunity

It is crucial that the players realise the enormity of what is within their grasp, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 22 Jun, 2016

How Joe Schmidt handles next few days will determine Ireland’s fate

The contrast could not be more striking. If Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, venue for the opening test, ranked as one of the most scenic and picturesque in world rugby then Ellis Park, situated in what has become the ghettoed heartland of downtown Johannesburg, was stark and foreboding, writes Donal Lenihan.

Mon, 20 Jun, 2016

Can Irish rookies thrive at this altitude?

Here are three things Ireland need to do to secure back-to-back victories over South Africa...

Sat, 18 Jun, 2016

When Springbok backs are to the wall, Ellis Park provides comfort

After the sobering sight of four World Cup semi-finalists coming from the southern hemisphere, last weekend offered a glimmer of hope for European rugby. The question now is, was it an aberration or a line in the sand?

Wed, 15 Jun, 2016

This victory signals a new beginning for Ireland

There are few more stunning backdrops to an international rugby stadium than the one that greets you on your arrival at Newlands Stadium. Nestled to the rear of the imposing, rugged features that define Table Mountain, it sets the scene perfectly for what lies ahead. This is South Africa, this is Springbok rugby.

Mon, 13 Jun, 2016

It has to be brain over brawn for Ireland against South Africa

Donal Lenihan examines three key areas around Ireland’s first test against the Springboks.

Sat, 11 Jun, 2016

Will the unavailables now rue missing Ireland's tour to South Africa?

You just wonder what was going through Joe Schmidt’s mind as he boarded Ireland’s flight from Heathrow to Cape Town last Sunday night. 

Wed, 08 Jun, 2016

Connacht complete the unlikeliest journey in some style

A famous scene adorns the walls of the ACT Brumbies headquarters in Canberra, depicting the dressing room scenes after their first ever victory over the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby. At that stage the Brumbies team were full to the brim with players rejected by their big Sydney neighbours and the win not only sparked emotional scenes but also marked a changing of the guard.

Mon, 30 May, 2016