Ireland XV 21 Barbarians 22

a writeup by Emma McGarry

It happened again.

Ireland were beaten by 1 point for the 3rd time by the BaaBaas on Thursday evening in Limerick. Not even a late last gasp try from Paddy Jackson and an incredible drop goal conversion from Madigan were enough to save Ireland. 

The BaaBaas scrum was very poor, they were handing Ireland penalties on a plate in the first half. Ireland failed to exploit these opportunities. Prop Roberto Tejerizo was sin binned for repeatedly causing scrum infringements at the end of the first half. 

This was not the only yellow we saw. Jack McGrath could have been looking at disciplinary action for kneeing Barbarians lock Konstantin Mikautadze in the back. The offence earned him a yellow card and I can’t imagine Schmidt was pleased with what he saw. It’s unfortunate as McGrath has had a very good year with Ireland, but it was annoyingly stupid to do that leading into the World Cup. Madigan was also seen in the same footage to have made contact with Mikautadze’s back using his boot, that kind of play is hard watching for me I must say. It’s not acceptable as a supporter to see players you have a lot of respect for conducting themselves in such a manner on the pitch. Schmidt will definitely be having words. They may count themselves lucky as neither were cited for the incidents.

England’s Dylan Hartley was not so lucky, Lancaster dropped him from the training squad after he received a 4 week ban for headbutting Saracens’ Jamie George who ironically has actually replaced him in the squad. 

The defensive play from the BaaBaas was unusual but was actually quite good at times. They managed to keep Ireland at bay for large periods of time. That said, they looked very dangerous on the attack with welsh winger Alex Cuthbert scoring 2 tries using a combination of his pace and 16 stone in weight to break down the Irish defence. 

Leinster supporters will be jealous of the way Kirchner played, I haven’t seen him play like he did in Limerick at all for Leinster this year. He was exciting and clever with the ball in hand. An incredible solo try left us all a bit shocked. 

Gilroy replied with a lovely try after a pass from Reddan, using the quick feet that earned him the title of top try scorer in the Pro12 this year, he dived over the line to score.

Colm O’Shea, young blood with only 4 Leinster caps, struggled to impose himself but produced a solid debut against a very experienced side.

Chris Henry still brings a smile to my face when I see him play, after going through heart surgery and suffering a mini-stroke, there were serious doubts over whether or not he would ever play in the green jersey again. Pretty impressive and testament to the man himself for persevering and proving us all wrong. He even managed to get over the line for a try in the second half against the Barbarians.

Gilroy, O’Shea and Strauss were probably the best performers on the night in my opinion.

What positives can we take from this somewhat disappointing performance? Ian Madigan played well in 10 and is getting much needed game time, I think he has proved himself as 2nd choice outhalf behind Sexton. Chris Henry is fighting fit, has played well for Ulster this season and played an important role in the 2014 6 Nations Championship, so perhaps Schmidt will look to include him in Ireland’s training squad this summer. 

The negatives I think are evident, Ireland struggled without the likes of Paul O’Connell and Conor Murray. The lack of Munster players in this starting XV had a huge effect of the game, and to be honest I can’t see Ireland winning a World Cup without those two. A number of Irish internationals are in race to be fit in time for the warm up matches against Wales and Scotland, Healy, Fitzgerald and Cronin are all out for lengthy periods.

Congratulations to Shane Jennings on ending a fantastic career by leading the Barbarians to a win in Limerick. #ThanksJenno

Emma McGarry (@EmmaKMcGarry) - Hugely interested in all aspects of rugby. Supporter of Irish and Leinster Rugby. "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad" - Brian O'Driscoll

*****

Want to see your own rugby opinions on the web?

Click "Write for us" in the sidebar to find out how.

Nakarawa? Maradona more like!

After his side's excellent victory in yesterday's Pro12 final in Belfast, Glasgow Warriors coach Gregor Townsend let us into a little secret.

"Before the game I said to Leone Nakarawa, 'Leone I just want you going forward.  I'll be very happy if you don't make an offload today' - two offloads, two tries, he delivered big time."

There's no doubt that offloading is key to the Fijian's game.  A year ago at the RDS perhaps it was a little bit too key for him as Leinster were generally able to negate his effectiveness.

But a lot can change in 12 months and as Gregor points out, Leone thoroughly deserved his man-of-the-match award.  Over the past couple of seasons I have come to call him "The Octopus" for the way he can find a way to stretch out a long arm to get the ball to a team mate so long after the tackle...

Nakarawa's offloads are so late I swear we've seen a couple tonight from last week's semifinal. #MUNvGLA #Pro12final

— Harpin' On Rugby (@HarpinOnRugby) May 30, 2015

Yet it seems offloading is not his only skill!  How many locks do you see displaying the footwork finesse you see in the above clip?  Pretty neat improvisation as well if you ask me.

And of course we all know what referee Nigel Owens was probably thinking as Nakarawa completed his pass..."Hang on...maybe this IS soccer after all!"

Once more, from all of us here at HoR Manor, sincerest congrats to all from the WarriorNation for a magnificent triumph.  We'll be posting a full writeup on the match itself for Monday lunchtime.  JLP

HarpinOnRugby

now also on Vine

Front Five - 31.05.15

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

Many congrats to Gregor Townsend,
Ali Kellock and all involved with
the Glasgow Warriors

The roar of the crowd showed just how many of the Warrior Nation had travelled over the sea for this game, and they were delighted to see Glasgow continuing with confidence as the backline attacked from everywhere.

Guinness PRO12 Final: Munster 13-31 Glasgow

Rory Baldwin - Scottish Rugby Blog

---

...sometimes your immediate response and your angst is focused on something you did not control - the actions and decisions of the referee, who I feel has an almost impossible job.

Nothing to be gained by blaming man with impossible job

Conor O'Shea - Irish Independentf

---

"There was no intent from me and there never would be in that situation. I am not that kind of player." - Owen Farrell

Owen Farrell 'deserved red card’ for tackle on Anthony Watson in Premiership final, says Bath coach Mike Ford

Steve James - Telegraph

---

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw still have the ability to compete with the young stars of Super Rugby.

Super 15 Rugby Round 16 Review - 10 Things We Learned

Scotty Donaldson - Super Rugby Tips

---

"Paul O'Connell says he will take the next 4 weeks off before making a statement on his club future. Dragging the arse out of this one" - tweet from SportsJOE.ie's Patrick McCarry

Paul O'Connell won't discuss Toulon move after sad Munster farewell

Kevin McGillicuddy - SportsJOE.ie

---

Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

The Leinster fans' conundrum

As Leinster fans we’ve already had to answer the province or country question, writes Ciaran Duffy

When Leinster supporters were faced with the prospect of losing Joe Schmidt a few seasons ago, we were left with a tricky question to answer, do we want our province to continue to have success, or do we want our national team to turn into world-beaters?  In hindsight, with the success of Ireland under Schmidt, there seems to be a general consensus that it was the right move, one that could ultimately deliver a world cup.  But when an issue like this comes about, it’s always interesting.  

There’s never really much debate about whether country or province comes first in rugby.  It’s country.  Watching Ireland win the Six Nations last year was a better feeling than Leinster winning a Pro12.  That being said, we have to sit through a lot more of Leinster than we do Ireland.  In a non world cup year, it’s the five Six Nations matches, and then the summer tour and autumn internationals.  This season we’ve had to suffer through a lot of poor rugby before having anything to celebrate.  Seeing Ireland win a World Cup would easily trump anything at provincial level, there’s no question.  Ireland’s recent success has been overdue and has already delivered some great Irish rugby memories.  But it’s easy to feel a little bit aggrieved as a Leinster supporter, in that we have had to lose more than any other province to contribute to this success.  It’s a been a tough year, made tougher by the success of our biggest rivals.

Which brings us to Saturdays Pro12 final.  For the first time since the return of the knockout stages, Leinster haven’t qualified for the final.  Formerly the team setting the standard that the aspiring champions would have to exceed, it now feels like we’re very much the third province.  I don’t really consider making it to the European Cup semi-final a success.  Leinster got through due to the lack of experience in that Bath side. They had the easier pool of the provinces, and topping it was largely due to the inconsistencies of Wasps and Harlequins.  Semi-finalists only in name, not in performance.  I would go as far to say Leinster had the most disappointing season of the provinces.  

Ulster pretty much crashed out of Europe after their first two pool games but their league run has made up for it.  While they will be rueing missing out on a home final, the performances against Leinster and Munster give them plenty to take away.  

Connacht have had their best ever season and should feel aggrieved to have not at least had the opportunity to play Bordeaux at home to get into the Champions Cup.  Injuries came at some pivotal times for them and that’s really what cost them, but still, they far exceeded their previous best seasons.  

Munster have the opportunity to win the league and have been consistent all season.  Leinster on the other hand, failed to live up to anything resembling the expectations they have set themselves.  In one season, Leinster have gone from being one of the best in Europe, to one of the teams who left it late to secure European Cup rugby next season.  Despite this being Leinster's shortest season in a while, it’s really dragged on.

So... can we support Munster on Saturday? Do we need our misery added to by them getting notions about themselves being the best in Ireland again?  These are the moments that make it difficult to choose over national pride and provincial rivalry.  One of the great moments in Irish rugby was Munster finally winning their first Heineken Cup.  But it’s always a little bit different in European Competition.  A fact that is entirely due to the presence of the English and the French sides.  Back at home, Munster are still Leinster's biggest rivals.  They may deserve the league this year, but it’s going to be painful to see Munster take the Pro12 title and the bragging rights, two things that Leinster have had a patent on in recent times.  

In terms of what’s best for the tournament, Glasgow winning would be good for the competition.  A first Scottish winner would give new life to a league that has seen other a lack of quality contenders in recent seasons.  The Welsh don’t have the same interest at provincial level and have begun to wane, and the Italians remain glued to the bottom while self-high-fiving over the fact that they are still in the league.  The Warriors have improved considerably in a number of seasons and the pro12 would be a deserved accolade to honour this.

However there is one factor that beats out rivalry, a large ginger factor.  Paul O’Connell has now made it clear that this is his last season with Munster.  O’Connell has always been a leader, whether it was going good or bad, he was going 100%.  He’s been quiet for most of the season about whether or not he’d retire.  He hasn’t tried to stir anything up, which is a testament to how much he puts the team first.  Just like how O’Driscoll deserved his Six Nations and league to send him off last year, O’Connell deserves the same.  

At the end of the day, we are in a World Cup year.  We need all the momentum we can get.  Why would we not want key players including our first choice scrumhalf, two key leaders in the pack, and several backs pushing to get into the squad, to go into the tournament with all the momentum they can.  Munster winning is what’s best for Irish rugby.  

So my fellow Leinster supporters, we’ll just have to suck it up one more time this season and remember a successful World Cup will be more than worth having to see Munster's name on a trophy we’ve come to know as ours.  On the bright side, their win will draw all the sunshiners back over to the red side, and they can try to explain why the scrum has to be reset.  

For now, come on Munster.

Ciarán Duffy (@VoiceQuakeDuffy) is a Leinster supporter who would watch any game of rugby while undoubtedly taking it too seriously.  He enjoys over analysing and taking a pessimistic look at the bright side while talking about Irish, European, and World Rugby issues on and off the field.

*****

Want to see your own rugby opinions on the web?

Click "Write for us" in the sidebar to find out how.

Front Five - 30.05.15

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

Click here for our Pro12 Final preview

Don't forget our "unriggable raffle"
competition courtesy of Art Of Rugby
One more chance to qualify at 10ahm

...the criticism (Duncan) Williams gets just isn’t accurate.

We’ve all had to take cheap internet shots on the chin

Ronan O'Gara - Irish Examiner

---

"I believe we weren’t ready for (last year's) final – the occasion itself affected maybe some of the decision-making –and I include the coach as well as the players on that.”

Glasgow look to learn from last year

Duncan Smith - The Scotsman

---

And then there are the two goal-kicking playmakers: Farrell, the fire-and-ice street fighter, against his old schoolmate, age-group partner and current red-rose rival George Ford

Premiership final preview: England rivals go head to head in enticing final at Twickenham

Chris Hewett - (English) Independent

---

"I have spoken to him and he knows he has let himself and everyone down." - Stuart Lancaster

Hartley accepts suspension

Dan Lombard - Rugby from a Wheelchair

---

“Ah, it’ll play havoc with his skin. He’s mad if you ask me,” shared Limerick man Eoin Scott

Munster Fans Question Ginger Man’s Decision To Move To Sunny Location

Waterford Whispers

---

Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Come on home Johnny

Hardly the most action-packed Vine clip you'll ever see but for Leinster & Ireland fans, it still means a lot. (Also we've added some appropriate music in the YouTube clip below for you to play as you read)

When the news of Johnny Sexton's move to Racing Métro broke, the fear was that he'd be over-played and worn out appearing in the gruelling Top14 with it's August-June season.  How many times over the past two seasons have we checked reports on RM92's matches, not for the final score, but to see if he left the pitch under his own steam?

Clearly he's not a happy camper as he departed the Stade Jean-Bouin turf this evening...his side had been comprehensively dumped out of the playoffs at the barrage stage 38-15 by cross town rivals Stade Francais.  And I'm sure Jacky Lorenzetti must be wondering if he got his money's worth from his investment over the past two years.

Well all due respect to Parisian rugby, but this Irish fan reckons the past two seasons have gone brilliantly.  (This Leinster fan may not quite feel the same but we won't go into that just now!)  Back-to-back Six Nations titles, ranked third in the world, beat England, France, South Africa, Australia, and within a whisker of the All Blacks.

Cheer up, Johnny.  You're coming home now.  And there's exciting times ahead for both Leinster and Ireland.  JLP

#COYBIG #COYBIB

HarpinOnRugby

now also on Vine

Match preview : Pro12 Final

From rounds 1 to 22 in this season's Guinness Pro12, Glasgow Warriors had the best record.  From rounds 2 to 22, that honour fell to Munster.  So it's hard to deny that the two correct teams have reached the final.

Is it being played in the correct venue?  Hmmm.  Well from a perspective that's deep within the Irish bubble I'd say that Raven-span was due a final after the Ulstermen were denied their claim by fate in 2013, but this is the Pro12 and there are other bubbles to be considered.  The Scots have a decent case to make that not only should topping the pile earn you home advantage, but it's about time the league's showpiece took place away from the Emerald Isle.

But as that annoying phrase goes, "we are where we are", so I best start harpin on how I think this match will go.  

We know both teams rely on a cohesive 15-man plan.  It's not about whether one man can do something spectacular, more that one man executes the basics well because he has quality support around him.  This applies to both Glasgow and Munster on both offence and defence.

Either side can make some serious yardage whether it be by neat offloading in Glasgow's case or in Munster's a quick reaction to the number of bodies committed to the breakdown by the opposition.  That can get them quickly into the opponent's 22 but then they'll be up against a pretty solid defence in each case.

This means that scoring could well be at a premium on the day and with Nigel Owens holding the whistle the odds are that refereeing decisions won't play a factor so it should boil down to good old-fashioned accuracy to decide who comes out on top, which is exactly how a top-tier rugby final should be.

Munster will of course miss their international duo of Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray, both injured in the semifinal.  Still, for all the complaints about Duncan Williams by Munster fans over the years I thought he did pretty well last weekend against the Ospreys and as for O'Mahony's replacement, Donncha Ryan certainly needs no introduction and Billy Holland can certainly do a job at lock.

On the Glasgow side, naturally the first name you look for is Niko Matawalu, and on this occasion Gregor Townsend has opted for a place on the bench for the Fijian - still, his introduction to this fixture could be a turning point - as for which direction the match will turn, your guess is as good as mine.  

Many talk about his dive against Ulster but his performance was about much more than that for me.  We saw the very best and the very worst from him - his behind-the-back offload helped Glasgow score their winning try yet a bit of naive defending allowed Ulster in for a 5-pointer in the first half.

As for the Warriors actually starting, it definitely seems like a solid selection and much will be expected from their back three of Hogg, Seymour and Van Der Merwe, not to mention outhalf Finn Russell, who has to be in a more confident frame of mind after the semifinals than his opposite number Ian Keatley.

Naturally you can expect any Munster pack to be strong and even without their injury list this tight eight is no exception.  It will be sad to see the great Paul O'Connell wearing this particular shade of red for the last time but we can be sure that he will lead from the front.

At scrum time you can be sure BJ Botha will be looking for an angle to gain an advantage, though you can also be sure Nigel Owens will be well able for him.  In the back row Paddy Butler has impressed at 7 but with Josh Strauss captaining the Warriors and keen to impress the Scottish selectors the breakdown should be some battleground.

The bookies are leaning towards Munster to capture their 4th title, though just by the two points.  I think the Warriors have done extremely well to get to a point where they have reached two finals in a row but when I look at these two sides and try to imagine which will blink first in a contest that demands perfection, it's the Scots I see doing it.

I reckon it will be a close one until the final 15 minutes where Munster could pull away to a crucial 8-point lead which they are well able to bring home, though the margin could be narrowed down to 4-6 points by full time.

Here's hoping for two things : (1) that it's a battle that lives up to the occasion, and (2) that the league doesn't get too used to Leinster not being in the final as we'll be back next year ;-)

Best wishes to both sides and all their supporters...of course what with this being an Irish site I'm hoping my prediction is right and Paulie says goodbye in style.  JLP

Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast Date: Saturday 30 May Kick-off: 18:30 

Glasgow Warriors: Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour, Richie Vernon, Peter Horne, DTH van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Henry Pyrgos, Gordon Reid, Dougie Hall, Rossouw de Klerk, Leone Nakarawa, Jonny Gray, Rob Harley, Ryan Wilson, Josh Strauss (captain). Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Jon Welsh, Al Kellock, Chris Fusaro, Niko Matawalu, Duncan Weir, Sean Lamont.

Munster: Felix Jones; Keith Earls, Andrew Smith, Denis Hurley (captain), Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Eusebio Guinazu, BJ Botha; Billy Holland, Paul O'Connell; Donnacha Ryan, Paddy Butler, CJ Stander. Replacements: Duncan Casey, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Sean Dougall, Jack O'Donoghue, Cathal Sheridan, JJ Hanrahan, Ronan O'Mahony.

Live on Sky Sports/TG4/BBC Sport Scotland 

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 127th competition game)

Assistant Referees: 1) Ian Davies, 2) Sean Brickell, 4) Gwyn Morris, 5) Wayne Davies (all WRU )

Citing Commissioner: Stefano Marrama (FIR)

TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)

Surely worth more than just two points?

It wasn't exactly Ian Madigan's greatest ever display, nor was it for Joe Schmidt's Ireland.

And if the Leinster star is to be concerned about any video clips from the encounter with the Barbarians it should probably be the one where he's raking his studs into the back of Georgian Konstantin Mikautadze in the first half.

He might also look askance at the footage of his long time team mate Shane Jennings flattening him with his shoulder in the second.

Still though...his shift should also be remembered for an improbable right-footed drop-goal conversion from the left touchline after Paddy Jackson's late try which at least gave his side a fighting chance of victory.  A hastily-taken kick like this really has no right to fall between the uprights and in a perfect world it would yield more than just the two points. JLP 

HarpinOnRugby

now also on Vine

Front Five : 29.05.15

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

Click here for a sneak preview
of our new feature called
"The Eight-Oh Review"
(essentially a mini-writeup)

"The Madigan issue was a big one for me. Two years ago, he was (Johnny) Sexton's understudy and he was seen as the next in line, but he was never given the time to develop. He has gone backwards."

O'Kelly: White the visionary front-man to steer Leinster back on right course

Cian Tracey - Irish Independent 

---

French sources have confirmed...that a deal has been agreed...for him to join (Toulon) after the World Cup for the remainder of the 2015/’16 season and the 2016/’17 season.

Paul O’Connell to sign two-year deal with Toulon

Gerry Thornley - Irish Times 

---

While McGrath was booked, Madigan's offence was missed altogether.

Ian Madigan And Jack McGrath Could Be In Trouble After Footage Of Knee And Stamp

Conor Neville - Balls.ie

---

I want to address the holy cow that sports stars should be seen as role models. Quite simply, why?

Young players make mistakes all the time - judge Manu Tuilagi and Dylan Hartley on rugby not as role models

Austin Healey - Telegraph 

---

Mark Robson's CJ Stander pun gets totally ignored by Alan Quinlan

Rugby Onslaught

---

Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Ireland XV 21-22 Barbarians (8-0-review)

Ulstermen got the Irish tries, Leinstermen made the dodgy challenges, Joe learned nothing ahead of RWC2015, Barbarians got the win in wet conditions.  The only highlights were a solo try from Kirchner and later an extraordinary drop-kick conversion from Madigan, though he and particularly Jack McGrath could be cited after giving Mikautadze punishment in a ruck.  A very un-BaaBaas contest - skipper Shane Jennings even chose to go for the posts for a pen but it ultimately proved the difference.  

JLP

***

Introducing a new feature you'll be seeing more of down the line...the eight-oh-review summing up a match in exactly 80 words and published within 80 minutes of full-time.  Feel free to send me your own attempts if you feel inspired, will be happy to publish!

Preview : Ireland v Barbarians

Well there I was with my Leinster jerseys put away, all my Ireland ones taken out and pressed, the website and logos changed from blue to green, all set to get my head to a place where I’m thinking less about the provincial season just gone and more about Ireland’s journey from two-time Six Nations Championship to an uber-serious assault on RWC2015.

Then I see the lineups for the Ireland v Baa Baas. Despite the fact that it’s at Thomond Park, with Munster having other matters on their mind this weekend, that leaves us with just three provinces to choose from for this selection for the boys in green, and all told between the two sides there are as many as 20 with ties to  Leinster, and the only reason I don’t count Ben Marshall is so that Connacht have some representation.  To be honest, after what happened to them in Kingsholm last Sunday, I wouldn’t blame them for sitting this one out even without the short turnaround.

So if this fixture wasn’t so relatively far away on a Thursday night, I’d be there with bells on.  In fact sitting here as I am at lunchtime I’m still trying to work out if I could hop in the car to make it down for the match and back without losing too many brownie points (spoiler alert...that ain’t gonna happen!).

There are several intriguing matchups around the park...Jamie Heaslip the current Leinster skipper leading Ireland out with retiring legend Shane Jennings opposite him.  Rob Kearney at 15 for Ireland with the man who takes his place for Leinster Zane Kirchner opposite him.  Devin Toner likely to square off at some point against another about-to-retire-former-Leinster-hero Nathan Hines.

But the battle that jumps off the page has to be at number 10, with Ian Madigan on one side, and not only Jimmy Gopperth on the other, but also a Jimmy Gopperth who we actually know will have been told by his coach to fling the ball about no matter what happens.  The possibilities are endless.

The Ulster contingent could be a bit stronger for this contest though I suppose their fans would say they’d much rather have no involvement at all with an eye to the weekend.  Still, the match is an opportunity for several of their players pushing for more test caps in Jackson, Gilroy, Tuohy and Luke Marshall.

On the youth side of the equation the occasion will do the world of good for Luke McGrath, Collie O’Shea and Cian Kelleher.  When it comes to international talent there is always bound to be plenty of that when the BaaBaas are in town and there’s the likes Adam Jones, Rokacoko, Pienaar and George Smith.

So as you can see, though I can’t make it there in person, you can be sure I’ll be glued to this one from kickoff to full time.  Not quite sure how much intel we can gather re World Cup hopes from it, but it certainly never hurts to put in a good outing.

I’m predicting something very predictable...a high-scoring affair.  I won’t bother to call it either way but of course I’d like to see an Ireland win.  Here’s to a great night for those who can make it, no matter how jealous I may be!  JLP

The match is live on Sky Sports 1, coverage starts at 7:30pm

Rugby on TV : May 28 - June 4

Date	Time	Show	Competition	Channel
Thu May 28	3:30pm	RUGBY TONIGHT EXTRA		BT SPORT 2
	7:30pm	IRELAND V BARBARIANS		SKY SPORTS 1
	10:00pm	THE FOOTY SHOW	NRL	SETANTA 1
Fri May 29	8:30am	CRUSADERS V HURRICANES	SUPER RUGBY	SKY SPORTS 1
	10:30am	BRUMBIES V BULLS	SUPER RUGBY	SKY SPORTS 1
	10:45am	PANTHERS V EELS	NRL	SETANTA 1
	6:00pm	SHARKS V REBELS	SUPER RUGBY	SKY SPORTS 3
	7:00pm	THE RUGBY CLUB		SKY SPORTS 1
	7:45pm	STADE FRANCAIS V RACING MÉTRO	TOP 14 PLAYOFF	SKY SPORTS 1/TV5MONDE
	11:30pm	SARACENS XV		BT SPORT 1
Sat May 30	6:00am	TITANS V RABBITOHS	NRL	SETANTA 1
	8:30am	HIGHLANDERS V CHIEFS	SUPER RUGBY	SKY SPORTS 3
	8:30am	RAIDERS V BRONCOS	NRL	SETANTA 1
	10:30am	WESTERN FORCE V REDS	SUPER RUGBY	SKY SPORTS 3
	10:30am	COWBOYS V SEA EAGLES	NRL	SETANTA 1
	1:30pm	BATH V SARACENS	PREMIERSHIP FINAL	BT SPORT 1
	2:00pm	SALFORD RED DEVILS V WIDNES VIKINGS	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 1
	3:15pm	TOULOUSE V OYONNAX	TOP 14 PLAYOFF	SKY SPORTS 5
	4:05pm	STORMERS V CHEETAHS	SUPER RUGBY	SKY RED BUTTON
	4:30pm	HULL FC V HULL KR	SUPER LEAGUE	SUPER LEAGUE
	6:00pm	MUNSTER V GLASGOW WARRIORS	PRO 12 FINAL	TG4 / SKY SPORTS 3
	6:10pm	LIONS V WARATAHS	SUPER RUGBY	SKY RED BUTTON
	6:45pm	LEEDS RHINOS V WIGAN WARRIORS	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 1
Sun May 31	5:00am	WARRIORS V KNIGHTS	NRL	SETANTA 1
	7:00am	DRAGONS V SHARKS	NRL	SETANTA 1
	12:30pm	CATALANS DRAGONS V HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 1
	2:30pm	ENGLAND V BARBARIANS		SKY SPORTS 3
	3:00pm	ST HELENS V WARRINGTON WOLVES	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 1
	4:45pm	GLOUCESTER V BORDEAUX-BEGLES	CHAMPIONS CUP PLAYOFF	SKY SPORTS 3
	5:15pm	CASTLEFORD V WAKEFIELD TRINITY	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 1
	7:00pm	TRY TIME	SUPER RUGBY	SKY SPORTS 3
Mon Jun 1	10:00am	ROOSTERS V STORM	NRL	SETANTA 1
	7:00pm	AGAINST THE HEAD		RTE2
	8:00pm	RUGBY TONIGHT		BT SPORT 2
Tue Jun 2	3:15pm	IRELAND U20S V ARGENTINA U20S	JRWC	TG4 / ESPN
	3:30pm	FRANCE U20S V WALES U20S	JRWC	BT SPORT 2
	4:00pm	FULL TIME	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 3
	5:30pm	ENGLAND U20S V JAPAN U20S	JRWC	BT SPORT 2
	7:30pm	FULL TIME	NRL	SETANTA 1
	7:30pm	NEW ZEALAND U20S V SCOTLAND U20S	JRWC	BT SPORT 2
Wed Jun 3	1:00pm	ROOSTERS V STORM (REPEAT)	NRL	SETANTA 1
	8:00pm	BOOTS N ALL	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 5
Thu Jun 4	7:00pm	BACK CHAT	NRL	SETANTA 1
	7:30pm	WIDNES VIKINGS V HULL FC	SUPER LEAGUE	SKY SPORTS 1
	10:00pm	THE FOOTY SHOW	NRL	SETANTA 1
	10:30pm	WORLD RUGBY		SKY SPORTS 3

Times generally refer to beginning of broadcast not kickoff

Check local listings for repeat showings

Feel free to let us know if something is missing! paganoblog@gmail.com