Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

The wheels coming off in Europe for Irish provinces

Four games into the Champions Cup for the Irish provinces and just a solitary win to show for our efforts. Even that was achieved at home by Munster against the tournament’s basement side Treviso. 

Mon, 23 Nov, 2015

Leo Cullen needs time while Leinster leaders must step up

One can only speculate as to the rollercoaster of emotions going through Johnny Sexton’s mind last weekend. The picture of him grimacing, with his hands covering his face on the final whistle after Leinster’s Champions Cup opener against Wasps at the RDS only told part of the story.

Wed, 18 Nov, 2015

Leinster have mountain to climb after defeat by Wasps

The tragic events in Paris on Friday night cast a long shadow over the opening round of European action with five games postponed across the Champions and Challenge Cups.

Mon, 16 Nov, 2015

Irish provinces digging in to keep up with deep European pockets

QUITE how Ireland’s World Cup hangover will be reflected in the upcoming rounds of the Champions Cup remains to be seen.

Wed, 11 Nov, 2015

The world is All Black after New Zealand win Rugby World Cup

Forty five minutes after the final whistle, Richie McCaw led the Haka, perhaps for the last time.

Mon, 02 Nov, 2015

A final to be decided by defensive excellence

1. Australia will always back themselves to beat New Zealand.

Sat, 31 Oct, 2015

Winning mindset key to All Black magic

You get a good insight into the New Zealand psyche just listening to their supporters. They’re not exactly a shy or bashful lot when it comes to talking rugby.

Wed, 28 Oct, 2015

Cheika’s wily Wallabies will be All Blacks’ toughest test

Two contrasting semi-finals, both equally captivating in their own way. The debate about how Ireland should play the game will rumble on long after this tournament is over but as the weekend’s absorbing action proved, you have to play to your strengths.

Mon, 26 Oct, 2015

Could Mario Ledesma destroy his native country’s dreams?

When New Zealand and South Africa clash, all bets are off.

Sat, 24 Oct, 2015

Does Ian Madigan need a change of province to reach the next level?

IF you are still feeling sick after Ireland’s massively disappointing exit from the World Cup, put yourself in the shoes of the long-suffering Scottish players and supporters for a brief second.

Wed, 21 Oct, 2015