Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Maro Itoje a global star in the making

Such was the reaction of the Scottish crowd at the final whistle in Murrayfield on Sunday you would have thought they had won the Six Nations championship.

Wed, 16 Mar, 2016

Simon Zebo needs some arm around the shoulder encouragement

After what is proving a pretty soul-destroying season for Irish rugby on both the provincial and international front, at last, a bit of respite. An energy-filled, try-fest on a bright and sunny day that even elicited a sustained Mexican Wave in the second half, brought smiles back to the faces of a beleaguered management and a restless rugby public.

Mon, 14 Mar, 2016

Three things Ireland must deliver in Italian job

Patience will be key for Ireland to expose Italy’s limitations...

Sat, 12 Mar, 2016

There’s good reason for Ireland to drop debutants in at the Six Nations deep end

Is there any such thing as the right time to blood a new cap? In exposing a player to Test rugby for the first time, what are the management hoping to achieve? Is the player in question likely to grow into a key front-line performer down the line or are you picking someone with a view to adding to the depth of your squad, increasing the options available in the event of injury?

Wed, 09 Mar, 2016

When enough is enough: How much more can Irish players take?

With just two rounds of Six Nations action to go, it’s time to take stock. To date, I have seen Ireland live in all three contests; England, Wales, and France twice each in the flesh, and Italy once.

Wed, 02 Mar, 2016

Disappointment? Yes, but this was a defeat with difference

Ireland may not have been interested in getting into a war of words with Eddie Jones in the build-up to Saturday’s face-off at Twickenham, preferring instead to launch a war of attrition against the lippy Aussie and his English team where it mattered most, on the field, writes Donal Lenihan.

Mon, 29 Feb, 2016

Three things Joe Schmidt's Ireland must produce to surprise England

To frustrate England, it is imperative to stop Billy Vunipola from making his trademark big carries, writes Donal Lenihan.

Sat, 27 Feb, 2016

Time for Ireland to turn pressure into points

If Ireland are to salvage something tangible from this season’s Six Nations championship, then Twickenham is the place to do it.

Wed, 24 Feb, 2016

Joe Schmidt’s Ireland facing tough task keeping up with Eddie Jones's England

The swagger is back. England trooped off the luscious turf of the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon, happy in their own skin and beginning to feel good about themselves again.

Wed, 17 Feb, 2016

Injuries on top of insult for Joe Schmidt’s walking wounded

Last week, any possibility of a Grand Slam or Triple Crown was eliminated on the first outing. This week the potential for a historic third championship on the bounce has also gone west. With England next up in Twickenham, and the casualty rate rising by the day, Ireland are struggling.

Mon, 15 Feb, 2016