RTÉ Rugby podcast: Pressure mounts on Munster, Ulster make statement signings

[@wlk2408]

I am very happy for Connacht for the win they are fast becoming my favorite Irish side. Munster was really disappointing so far but fortunately for them my Bulls have also been horrible so far, especially last weekend. I think Munster has a real chance against the Bulls, if they however lose that game they will be in huge trouble. The Irish and South African teams groups are very competitive and fighting back is not going to be easy. I am still surprised how SA teams came back last season but I think that was a once off, it is not likely to happen again. As a South African supporter I absolutely love the URC. Leinster is still the team to beat in my opinion but the Stormers and the Sharks is going to push them hard. Bongi, Ox, Kolisi, Etzebeth, Hendrikse, Am and Mpimpi will be back soon. Seven Springboks will make a big difference to the Sharks team.

[@wot4922]

Shark supporter here. I hope we get to see these guts play at least some Shark games before they get back into the Springbok camps🦈✌🇿🇦

[@wlk2408]

@@wot4922 Yes that is the big question. I think they will play the next three rounds before the break. I believe Etzebeth os playing this weekend. Am is out fir the rest of the year but I think the other guys will get some game time. The Sharks are looking good.

[@inBODwetrust13]

Are the NIQ rules just out the window? When we have a lack of loosehead props coming through how does blocking the likes of Eric O'Sullivan's development help Ireland? Seems to be one set of rules for Ulster and a different set for the other provinces with the constant signing of NIQ players

[@scubbasham10]

The emerging tour will become more relevant post World Cup I suspect when you have a potential of Healy, POM, Murray, Sexton and Earls retiring at least from international rugby. They will play up until then so what’s beneath being exposed now isn’t a bad thing. It hurt all the provinces to some extent but Munster can’t blame POMs wedding or the Emerging tour for their form 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@markc3258]

Add Zebo to that list if retirees .. he’s nearly finished if not already

[@daithipol]

@@markc3258 he's not near international class, he wasn't when he left and isn't now. Sexton is the only loss on that list.

[@inBODwetrust13]

@@markc3258 when did Zebo last play for Ireland? I don't think he can really be counted as a loss for the national team at this point

[@scubbasham10]

@@daithipol agree to an extent but it’s still a heck of an amount of experience walking out of camp. Examples to younger players on conduct/standards etc

[@patman142]

I think this exposure to the SA sides is brilliant and timely before the world Cup. We have struggled before at the world Cup and even final stages of the champions Cup because of physicality. Playing these sides regularly will really help with that

[@inBODwetrust13]

Yea it's great to see 5 injuries from 80 mins of rugby, particularly the 3 head injuries from deliberate head shots

[@patman142]

@@inBODwetrust13 and what's the alternative? Ban the SA sides because they are too physical?

[@inBODwetrust13]

@@patman142 1. actually police headshots rather than criticising Sexton for calling out dangerous referees like Evans. 2. Properly test steroid use to at least WADA standards with a lifetime ban for anyone caught cheating. You'd immediately solve most of the head injury problems and find that all this extra "physicality" from the likes of the South African sides suddenly isn't causing the same number of serious head injuries anymore

[@inBODwetrust13]

@@patman142 and to add, if that still doesn't solve the problem, then yes. We can't have people getting dementia or MND because of head injuries from cheapshot merchants who aren't even interested in playing within the laws of the game

[@patman142]

@@inBODwetrust13 first, I'm reading my original comment again and don't see anything about criticising sexton. Secondly, whatever about the steroid issue, i don't know about that but tackling technique is a coaching issue and it's not as if every Irish player is squeaky clean in that regard

[@MrConor9]

Why is the best province in Ireland the least talked about?

[@markc3258]

Get fun listening to how bad Munster are in fairness do 😂😂 Long may it last ..

[@patman142]

@@markc3258 Your inability to construct a proper sentence is also funny.

[@gerardfitzpatrick60]

Leinster 💙🏉💙 chat 26 - 34:30 minutes

[@daithipol]

Maybe they should script this rather than everyone taking turns to say the same thing about Munster. There may even be some time then to talk about all 4 teams in detail.

[@gerardfitzpatrick60]

Is Eddie in public toilets ? Clue -Hand dryer over his shoulder 😂

[@markc3258]

Brilliant 😂

[@SafferPOV]

Was thinking the same

[@inBODwetrust13]

RTE insisted he have a lavatory nearby as they are used to the copious amounts of shit he produces

[@daithipol]

Listening to Fiona saying 'Rubby' like a child is funny (Not insulting bty, just makes me smile)

[@trevorburns3634]

Energy drinks again.

[@mamoersebaas2654]

These hypocrite Europeans. Not wanting saffas in their leagues and don't want us to be any part of 6nations, but using our players to play for their countries and clubs..Saying we play boring rugby etc etc but forking out lots of money to buy 😉 our boring players...It's only Rassie and nieaber who plays the kick and chase game .anyway nothing wrong with playing differently from other teams .Hypocrites these Europeans