Attention turns to South Africa after Irish URC disappointment | RTÉ Rugby podcast

Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Eddie O'Sullivan and Jonny Holland to break down the big news from Andy Farrell's Ireland squad to tour South Africa.
The panel discuss the call-up of Sam Prendergast and what this means for Ciarán Frawley in the out-half depth chart (02:00), while we also look specifically at the opportunity presenting itself to Craig Casey (18:27) and Cormac Izuchukwu (14:37).
We also look back on a weekend of surprises in the URC, as Munster and Leinster lose their semi-finals.
We break down Leinster's pattern of losing arm-wrestles (27:29), and ask why their attack has regressed in recent months (32:31), while we examine Munster's missed opportunity to win back to back titles (40:57).
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[@Natedawg38]

Ireland need the bloody nose to move forward. Try a few players, lose a couple of games. Im glad we're missing so many power players like JGP, hansen, keenan and conan etc. Now we've no choice but to rotate

[@kylewestman5400]

Upset there is no JGP, we wanted the full strength but never the less. Bring it on and may the game be intense nd fierce but the beers after be flowing! May the best side win!

[@elduderino3236]

Jonny Holland is a really good pundit. Enjoy his analysis 👍

[@jcheatle1]

Eddie fantastic. He should be on more.

[@noeldiamond2717]

Given this a 2 test series 3 years from a World Cup. I don’t understand the argument of overlooking someone because of lack of experience. Surely this is the time to get experience

[@Camcolito]

Exactly. I never understood the Irish mentality re young players. If you're good enough you're good enough (have my doubts). Other nations have breakthrough players and let them in the national team.

[@ianjacobs2998]

Are you saying, you don't mind loosing to the Springboks 😊😊

[@StephenG-kw1lp]

​@ianjacobs2998 well no I'm not. It would be better for Ireland to try some youngsters, and what better experience than in South Africa.

[@ianjacobs2998]

@@StephenG-kw1lp Rassie ERASMUS is definitely going full throttle to win the 2 tests!!

[@michaelflynn5123]

Don’t mind losing when we are trying to win! Can’t stand losing when all we do is trying to evade defeat

[@yvonnemullen3325]

Lads, great podcast. I listen every week. But I don’t appreciate marching forward to SA tour with hardly a glance at what happened last week. This is a major problem developing and we can’t just be all Safa sunny.

[@kiaoragin]

"Crowley was locked in as Munster's first choice 10 under Rowntree during his first preseason. He would have started all the early games of that season but he was pulled late for Emerging Ireland." Three Red Kings tweet yesterday about this subject saying it was Rowntree who saw Crowley's worth before Farrell. I like Frawley as cover for 10 but not as cover for 15. I would have liked to have seen Coombes and wonder what he has to do to get into Farrell's team. Loughman too I think deserved a chance. I'm a Leinster fan myself but wonder why there are not at least two more Munster players there, based on form. Also, Mike Haley is a proper 15, as Johnny says. Why is he not there?

[@Steve-gr6jm]

From Munster, would also like to see Loughman being given a run of games but not a chance would I pick him over Healy for this tour. Coombes is a weird one. His tryscoring ratio would get him in the starting line up of most teams and Farrell seems to not have any concerns that we lack international depth in the back row. I would have brought him in to replace Conan once that was announced.

[@RazorMouth]

At least the Irish camp can start early.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

What? The boks started a little earlier

[@jaygeeist]

Hi Mark. I agree largely with your selection except for two. Firstly, Jasper Wiese is still serving a six week suspension, so is not eligible to play in the match. Secondly, if Rassie opts for a 6-2 split on the bench, I think he will have to pick a substitute scrumhalf. Besides, if he selects Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, he won't need to include Lukhanyo Am, because Sacha can cover 10, 12, or 15. Otherwise I'm in agreement with you in respect of the rest of your selections.

[@patmc5474]

A humbling weekend for Irish rugby with an all Ireland URC final blown out of the water,winning URC's in the future will require a more concerted effort over a season from our provinces,no more coasting which will only be a good thing in the long run for Irish rugby.

[@BarryHawk]

Usual problem with Ireland, fear of pushing the boat out. Faz is changing this.

[@karatekid-nq6ct]

That part where he talks about big South African guys shouting at you when you get off the bus and the smell of burning meat, lmao! This was me growing up, trust me I was a scrawny kid and in our culture everything is about being big and tough. I was never good at sports but they practically force a rugby ball into your hands the minute you're able to understand what it is :D So even growing up as a South African in that country is a scary experience if you're not of large stature haha. Just loved that description because it's so on the money, braai, rugby, alcohol and machismo is as South African as it gets.

[@wot4922]

I think at the heart of everything is that both the Irish and South African people have a history of oppression. This makes us both proud, passionate, fighting people. Our cultures are very different. South Africans are loud, out-doorsy people and I guess our demeanor may be hard to like. Nevertheless, we love ourselves and may the best team win.💚💛✌🇿🇦

[@PatrickJacobs-u1f]

So true. As black South Africans we share a lot with the Irish. We have a soft spot for Ireland don't forget it.

[@Steve-gr6jm]

This isn't really reflected by both sets of fans. We should get on the best of all the other nations but we don't. Our media played a part in that but so does your coaches.

[@elduderino3236]

Interesting that Eddie "doesn't believe for a second" the claims from Etzebeth that the Irish players told him "see you in the final". Why not? I'm a Bok fan and was at that World Cup pool game and countless Irish came up to me and told me the same (while shaking my hand together with some hilarious banter). Is it that inconceivable that the players themselves bought into the hype of the Irish media and fans? Moreover, you think Etzebeth would lie about that? Odd comment

[@readesiun988]

Don't believe any Irish player said it, never came across anyone in Ireland either that was saying it either.

[@eoinmiller5620]

Oh I 100% believe Eben would lie.

[@jonathandavis8599]

​@eoinmiller5620 The Irish being arogant thinking they are the best come WC time? Doesn't sound like them. Sounds more like the little leprechauns.

[@jonathandavis8599]

​@@readesiun988 I also never go out, just stay in doors and play WOW.

[@mpumelelo8590]

From listening to the arrogance of the pundits and ex-players at the time, the Irish really believed they had one foot in the final. He knows it, the irish know it, they’re just denying it 😂 Just own it man and move on

[@plutoniumnitrate1201]

I feel that it is Irelands challenge to come out on the right side as the next world cup these lads will be more seasoned and hopefully learn from their mistakes considering SA will be in a rebuilding phase after this series......the time to take control is now for Ureland and get to that elusive semi final at the 2027 world cup.....I know I am speaking ahead of myself but they have the quality and age on their side

[@bobby_bouche]

honestly, what is the point of a "safe bet" and bring ross byrne. he aint going to ever lead this team. 3 years out from the WC, we go with crowley and prendagast and start to build a new team around them.

[@martijnvermolen8894]

reall great to have EOS on the show, excellent pundit who should get a lot more airtime!

[@BaconPancake165]

The boks have more key player injuries than the Irish so you can't already be defending yourself if you lose ? I think it will be a great test series and there should ne no excuses from both teams

[@NiahTunui]

ABs need time to gel but are certainly not "vulnerable" or "fractured" as some of the NH pundits are suggesting. The front row is sorted they can go toe to toe with any nation and provide a solid platform, plenty of depth in the props, hooker is abit weaker with taukeaho out but they have decent cover, aumua is a freight train hopefully he gets a shot. Second row is questionable but scott barrett and tupou vaai as the starters are no pushovers whatsoever. The backup has potential but unproven at test level, Tuipolotu will add some much needed experience when he comes back from injury. The depth in the backrow is absolutely stacked we could easily have a list of 10 players fighting for these positions. 9 is questionable with smith gone and roigard injured but theirs decent cover certainly no lack in raw talent. 10 is fine with Dmac has matured and is absolutely devastating when in form which he currently is, a backup is needed we have BB for now but hes not a long term option in my opinion. Some solid young ones coming through but no "eye catchers," just yet. Centers are world class with barret and Ioane, plenty of depth and players to choose, I hope they give the wrecking ball Levi Amua a shot but it's been hard for him to shine at the crusaders this year for obvious reasons. Outside backs are absolutely stacked even with jordan out. The depth in the outside backs superb, even with jordan gone at fullback they have 2 young superstars in Shaun Stevenson and Ruben Love who can play fullback. And the wingers are absolutely lethal with Reece, Talea, Narawa and the now inform beast of a winger that is Caleb Clarke

[@CF-lg8jd]

Jonny, you know Leinster lost by 9, the drop goal was just to sustain clock and give them a chance

[@patrickleonard7988]

Eddie O'Sullivan still afraid of the boks. Contrast his negativity with Faz who relishes the challenge and don't be surprised if he gives Prendergast game time. Faz played for Wigan when he was 16 and England when he was 18, against NZ no less. He recognizes young talent and is not afraid to give them an opportunity, as he has shown with Crowley.

[@PeloresanterOctagenarima]

Bro, I really like this channel for this type of amazing video

[@hc8299]

Big Eddie 🙌🏻

[@jmo8934]

Yeah Eddie. The Byrne brothers are not up to it. They’ve been tried and tested. What is the point in continuing with that? Prendergast has X factor. He may well only hold tackle bags but if he did appear on the field I wouldn’t be too worried.

[@itistrue101]

Paddy and the Imports will be very competitive, but unlikely results will go their way.

[@krlauf5307]

looking forward to it

[@MeiA-h9r]

Joe McCarthy is literally a knock off version of Maro Itoje without the trophies I mean I could get an Amatuer player to do what he did on Saturday Constantly infringing and if there was competent officiating in that game, he would’ve cost his team 12 points and got himself sent off for at least 2 yellow card infringements He was just a disgrace and it’s a sad indictment on Irish rugby that he is one of your best second rowers Shameful

[@xavierbrown4250]

He's a bit of a grub as well.

[@alanoneill3167]

They barely had Sexton last year... bit off to say missing him is having more of an effect on attack than neinaber.

[@redmondo42]

Has Rory McIlroy been hanging around with the Leinster players. Would explain a lot

[@seanofarrell8896]

Remembered what happened to jeol that has now left munster the same issue and look what happened.

[@mahasamatman12]

Comparing Leinster to the All Blacks, lol. Clermont, more like.

[@jonathandavis8599]

Should have compared them to Ireland, they also lose when it matrers most. But would be weird to compare yourself with yourself.

[@mahasamatman12]

@@jonathandavis8599 fair point！

[@Alias-gy3tz]

Irish arrogance at full display... then they pretend they are not. 🙄 Groot bekke, tell all and sundry they are the best, even after they failed to get passed the QF in the world cup.

[@darrellpinkney7733]

We certainly do not ‘burn’ meat….

[@jcheatle1]

Thank God Johne not on. He contributes zilch!

[@Richie-j5p]

Frawley to Connacht ?!

[@Konst_Abel]

Sure, Ireland are missing JGP, Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan but the boks are missing Steven Kitshoff, Lood De Jager, Jean Kleyn, Lukhanyo Am, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse and possibly Willie Le Roux. Stop making excuses!

[@andrewmcnulty6815]

Harry B and Sam P for Leinster. Rotation.

[@henryvanniekerk8248]

It's going to be close, both tests.

[@ciaranbrk]

Byrne isn’t good enough he is too slow and panicked against the bulls his kicking also wasn’t good enough.

[@ritzemaritzema-xo4dz]

irish world cup chokers. the irish must also make a chasing the sun but call it chasing the semis...

[@macmoan]

why does your man keep saying LIKE

[@trophyhunternightwish82]

New zealand born players should not be allowed to play for Ireland

[@patman142]

just Ireland?

[@getridofneocons]

Attacking game gone because have no decent flyhalf since sexton, nothing to do with nienaber

[@MeiA-h9r]

To all the people saying that Etzebeth is lying about the Irish telling him that we’ll see you in the final You wouldn’t even dare say that to his face so keep that comment to yourselves

[@ciaranbrk]

They likely said hopefully will see you in the finals he misinterpreted it and I’d happily say it was face.

[@Steve-gr6jm]

I would. If I die he goes to prison, if I live I get to sue him for everything he owns.

[@ritzemaritzema-xo4dz]

in rugby like in soccer the biggest sport on earth nobody cares or remember who won a club championship or games after a few years...all that matter is the World cup the rest of the games is just entertainment.

[@Trajan2401]

losers mentality every game matters.