The trick for test coaches in the November internationals preceding a World Cup year is finding the balance between fine-tuning strategy and keeping the opposition guessing

I’ve no doubt I was shaped at Munster. I’ve made some improvements along the way, listening and learning in different environments has added layers as a coach, but having that experience was a wonderful starting point.

The malaise started right here. I have to put my hand up. Once they see their coach speaking poorly to the officials, it speaks to a poor attitude and bad standards.

One of the cornerstones of All Black rugby heritage is the ability to score from anywhere or off anything. I don’t see it now

Crusader is a modern-day Paul O’Connell with an IQ that very few people in world rugby have or appreciate

The inside story of an historic week for Ronan O’Gara and Stade Rochelais

It’s the one conversation where you are duty-bound to be as precise and brutal as necessary, where you leave no room for ambiguity and where all sides know exactly where they stand.

There is a deep sense of enjoyment seeing your dressing room doing the business – that’s one of the joys of professional sport.

I've known Mike Prendergast a lot longer than our cumulative years here in France. There'll be plenty more to discuss than a match the next day

I frequently transport myself back 16 years and the walk from the dressing room in the Millennium Stadium to the pitch-side. And Paulie reiterating as he led us out: We’ve got to play, boys’.