Rugby on TV : July 1-8

Rugby on TV is brought to you by

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THURSDAY, JULY 1

7PM

ALAN QUINLAN - RED BLOODED

DOCUMENTARY

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

8PM

IRELAND V ENGLAND (L)

U20 SIX NATIONS

RTÉ NEWS

RTÉ PLAYER

8:30PM

TOULOUSE V LA ROCHELLE (R)

TOP 14 FINAL

PREMIER SPORTS 2

FRIDAY, JULY 2

11AM-9PM

CLASSIC SIX NATIONS (H)

11AM - ENGLAND V IRELAND (2006)

12PM - WALES V IRELAND (2003)

1PM - SCOTLAND V IRELAND (2015)

2PM - ENGLAND V FRANCE (2015)

3PM - FRANCE V IRELAND (2014)

4PM - IRELAND V ENGLAND (2001)

5PM - WALES V SCOTLAND (2010)

6PM - WALES V IRELAND (2009)

7PM - ENGLAND V IRELAND (2018)

8PM - FRANCE V WALES (2019)

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

4:30PM

EXETER CHIEFS V HARLEQUINS (R)

PREMIERSHIP FINAL

BT SPORT 3

6PM

SOUTH AFRICA V GEORGIA (L)

TEST MATCH

VIRGIN MEDIA TWO

SKY SPORTS ACTION

8:30PM

NEW ZEALAND V LIONS (H-2017)

FIRST TEST

SKY SPORTS ACTION

9:30PM

NEW ZEALAND V LIONS (H-2017)

SECOND TEST

SKY SPORTS ACTION

SATURDAY, JULY 3

8:30AM

CLASSIC SIX NATIONS (H-2018)

8:30AM - FRANCE V IRELAND

9:30AM - IRELAND V ITALY

10:30AM - IRELAND V WALES

11:30AM - IRELAND V SCOTLAND 

12:30PM - ENGLAND V IRELAND

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

10AM

LIONS GREATEST MOMENTS

SKY SPORTS ACTION

11AM

SOUTH AFRICA V GEORGIA (R)

TEST MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

1PM

IRELAND V JAPAN (L)

TEST MATCH

RTÉ TWO

CHANNEL 4

3PM

WALES V CANADA (L)

TEST MATCH

BBC TWO WALES

3PM

LIONS GREATEST MOMENTS

SKY SPORTS ACTION

5PM

LIONS (RSA) V LIONS (B&I) (L)

TOUR MATCH

SKY SPORTS MAIN EVENT

SKY SPORTS ACTION

9PM

LIONS GREATEST MOMENTS

SKY SPORTS ACTION

10PM

LIONS (RSA) V LIONS (B&I) (H)

TOUR MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

10:35PM

LIONS (RSA) V LIONS (B&I) (H)

TOUR MATCH

VIRGIN MEDIA TWO

11PM

LIONS VERDICT

SKY SPORTS ACTION

SUNDAY, JULY 4

11AM

NORTHAMPTON V LEINSTER (R-2011)

HEINEKEN CUP FINAL

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

12:50PM

LEINSTER V ULSTER (R-2012)

HEINEKEN CUP FINAL

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

2PM

ENGLAND V USA (L)

TEST MATCH

CHANNEL 4

2:45PM

LEINSTER V RACING 92 (R-2018)

CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

3PM

LIONS (RSA) V LIONS (B&I) (H)

TOUR MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

6PM

STORY OF THE CHAMPIONS CUP

BT SPORT 3

6:30PM

PREMIERSHIP TOP TRIES

BT SPORT 3

8:10PM

MUNSTER V LEINSTER (R-2009)

HEINEKEN CUP SEMIFINAL

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

10PM

LEINSTER V LEICESTER TIGERS (R-2009)

HEINEKEN CUP FINAL

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

MONDAY, JULY 5

4PM

LIONS VERDICT

SKY SPORTS ACTION

5PM

PREMIERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

BT SPORT 2

6:30PM

CHAMPIONS CUP HIGHLIGHTS

BT SPORT 2

8:30PM

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER]

DOCUMENTARY

BT SPORT 2

TUESDAY, JULY 6

3PM

LIONS (RSA) V LIONS (B&I) (R)

TOUR MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

3:30PM

CHAMPIONS CUP HIGHLIGHTS

BT SPORT 2

7PM

LIONS (RSA) V LIONS (B&I) (H)

TOUR MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

8PM

WILL GREENWOOD'S LIONS PODCAST

SKY SPORTS ACTION

9PM

LIONS VERDICT

SKY SPORTS ACTION

11PM

SOUTH AFRICA V GEORGIA (R)

TEST MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7

11AM

AUSTRALIA V FRANCE (L)

FIRST TEST

SKY SPORTS ACTION

2PM

ITALY V IRELAND (L)

U20 SIX NATIONS

RTÉ TWO

6PM

SHARKS V LIONS (L)

TOUR MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

10:30PM

SHARKS V LIONS (H)

TOUR MATCH

VIRGIN MEDIA TWO

THURSDAY, JULY 8

3PM

PREMIERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

BT SPORT 2

4PM

LIONS VERDICT

SKY SPORTS ACTION

4:30PM

STORY OF THE CHAMPIONS CUP

BT SPORT 2

8PM

SHARKS V LIONS (H)

TOUR MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

11PM

SOUTH AFRICA V GEORGIA (R)

TEST MATCH

SKY SPORTS ACTION

********************

L = LIVE

R = FULL REPEAT

T = TAPE DELAY

H = HIGHLIGHTS

Times for live broadcasts generally refer to kickoff

Check local listings for repeat showings

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

Front Five - 30.04.21

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

In some ways ringfencing makes more sense

for the Premiership than Top14 IMO because in France

there are a lot more teams big enough to exist

in the top flight.  In England, not so much.

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"No better man. How many years has he been around? The big games that he has played, the experience he has in terms of a third (Lions) tour is legend stuff."

Peter O'Mahony says Conor Murray doesn't need any advice for Lions captaincy challenge

Cian Tracey - Irish Independent

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“It was tough for all concerned really. I know Jason Leonard was close to shedding a tear, if you want to use him as some sort of barometer."

Alun Wyn Jones' final selfless act leaves Lions close to tears

Simon Thomas - WalesOnline

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Japan’s improvement is part of the pathway for expansion, another factor is the financial power that Japan carries

Plans for Japan to join Rugby Championship from 2024

Americas Rugby News

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"...without the drama of promotion and relegation, the last two or three months of the season would be a disaster"

RFU put a “pause” on Premiership relegation

Alan Pearey - Rugby World

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Baloucoune...possesses that sort of short-burst pace that has seen him leaving rakes of top quality defenders in his wake.

Hugo Keenan hands over Fastest Player in Ireland squad title to Robert Baloucoune

SportsJoe.ie

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

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

Front Five - 29.06.21

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

ICYMI click here for our

Lions v Japan writeup

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"We have to make peace with the fact that there won’t be spectators, but the tour will go on, and we’ll have all the games, even the provincial ones."

SA Rugby gives up pursuit of Lions series fan attendance

SARugbyMag.co.za

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Ryan was set to captain Ireland in their summer Tests against Japan and the USA.

IRFU squad update indicates why James Ryan may have missed Lions call

Patrick McCarry - SportsJoe.ie

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Ireland have plenty of momentum behind them, but they know England represent a significant step up in quality.

U-20s at full power for English decider

Cian Tracey - Irish Independent

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 Leinster and Munster (were) confirmed as the top two ranked sides from the Guinness Pro14.

Champions Cup format confirmed for next season

RTÉ Rugby

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The province started the season in two competitions and ended up playing in four

Don’t Cry In Front Of The Mexicans: Ulster’s 2020-21 Season [And How They Must Keep Twirling, Twirling, Twirling Towards Freedom in 2021-22]

Digging Like A Demented Mole

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

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

LIONS-28 JAPAN-10

THE BIGGAR THEY ARE

I couldn’t possibly start harping on this Lions series without first giving my overall thoughts on it. And when I say “overall” I mean it, because over all my opinions about the actual matches themselves and the makeup of the test team, I really don’t think the series should actually go ahead at all. Even though most of us are far from medical experts, we’ve all been given a crash course in the basics surrounding COVID19 over the past year or so and when the news broke that the Springbok squad had a few positive results, it did not look good. And after a bit of research showed just how far behind they were down there with vaccinations and such, it looked even worse. Still, as long as that show is going on, so must this one, since I have to assume the decisions to play on are for the right reasons. As long as there are matches, I will continue to cover them within reason and to be fair, this match in Murrayfield on Saturday was a great way to get the ball rolling all things considered. Although the Lions are the cream of the crop from four proud rugby nations, it can never be easy to get them all together and playing to their full potential from the word go, but that said, given that this is far from Warren’s first rodeo, we shouldn’t be all that surprised that his first match selection from this group would do so well in what was essentially a “game of two halves”, either side of the 50th minute. Before that time, we saw a starting XV that played to it’s strengths, played with cohesion, tried a few interesting things we might see in the test series, and most of all survived a couple of tragic injuries. With no disrespect meant to Justin Tipuric, the more devastating blow was of course the loss after just 7 minutes of the talismanic tour skipper Alun Wyn Jones. For that final half hour, I think it would be unfair to say that we “collapsed” or even "took our foot off the pedal"; it was more a case that the introduction of the remainder of our bench coincided with a purple patch for the Brave Blossoms, one which they thoroughly deserved as they had been unlucky not to have scored up to that point. Obviously my interest on these pages is going to tend to centre around the Irish players. Player of the Match may have gone to Dan Biggar, and deservedly so as he controlled the play extremely well and also knocked over some trademark effortless conversions from the touchline, but I really don’t think it would be too “green goggled” of me to point out that for the most part our contingent had really good outings in Murrayfield. No better place to start than the centre. Many eyebrows were raised at Bundee Aki’s selection for the squad but to be honest, when you consider how the coach likes to play plus his successful history with Robbie going way back, it really was no surprise and their partnership was key to much of the Lions success both with and without the ball. Only three minutes were on the clock when they attempted the first choke tackle and while the ball managed to escape Robbie’s clutches, they went back for more at latter stages and forced turnovers several times. Then in actual possession well it was always going to be crash, bang, wollop wasn’t it, and although at times the Japanese defence looked tidy enough, our 12/13 combo were generally able to put us on the front foot and after just 11 minutes, an attacking lineout was won by Iain Henderson (ably taking over the calling duties from his captain) allowing Bundee to barge his way to within 5m of the line before Josh Adams finished the job in determined fashion. Not long afterwards Japan, who to their credit were keen to play rather than kick possession away more often than not especially in exits, threw one pass too many into the grateful arms of Henshaw and he didn’t hesitate in setting us up for another score. We moved their defence back and forth across the pitch before Duhan van der Merwe delighted his “home” crowd by spotting a lack of pillar at a breakdown out wide to run through the gap and dot down. I’m not even close to being done with praising the Irish players - next up, Jack Conan. Another who didn’t appear on many predicted lists but from start to finish he played like he had worn the Lions jersey for years. Multiple strong carries, jackled the penalty which put us back into their 22 before Henshaw’s steamrolling line got us try number three, and most significantly of all, played for about an hour after Tipuric’s misfortune at number 8 alongside Toby Faletau, whom many assume has an inside track for the test jumper. Had to be running Biggar close for his gong. So there the Lions were 21-0 ahead before a half hour was gone on the clock but to be fair that didn’t really tell the entire story. Like I said, although this was Japan’s first full test outing since RWC2019, they played with a lot of confidence and definitely deserved to get their side of the scoreboard moving long before the 58th minute. But more often than not they were thwarted by a tight defensive structure from the Lions, one that might have taken some risks by playing narrow and having the likes of Bundee Aki taking gambles trying to cut out long passes, but still were generally well able to half the visitors’ progress and force them into mistakes. There was definitely an air of inevitability around the Lions 4th try. Again I must credit Jamie Joseph’s men for being so positive with possession but their decision to grubber their way out of their 22 after the second half restart was always going to be a massive gamble and it was one that the Lions were able to punish. It took us a few bites down at their end to get a touch down over the line that counted. First Jack Conan thought he had scored only to be brought back as Liam Williams had knocked on moments before. Then after a monster carry by Tadhg Furlong, Courtney Lawes seemed to get it down yet the TMO showed he didn’t have full control. Eventually after Tamura tried to clear his lines it only went as far as Williams who had space to set things up nicely and here is probably where Biggar cemented his award as his missile of a pass found a brilliant line by yet another rampaging Irishman in Tadhg Beirne who took it in his stride and accelerated to the line. As an actual contest, the match was pretty much over at this stage but shortly after the score, when Conor Murray kicked out on the full (he had been steady up to this point to be fair and I totally see the sense in his selection to captain the remainder of the tour) we saw Japan really start to kick into gear. They had this really clever lineout play where the dart was arced just over the tail right into the grateful arms of the pacy Matsushima and his gain got them down to the Lions end of the pitch long enough for Himeno to eventually break their duck by getting over the line. I thought it was interesting that Japan chose to take three point opportunities after that score - I wonder if it was to nudge them ahead in the second half as if it began 0-0? Anyway their outhalf Tamura was successful with his second attempt and the match kind of fizzled out from there. You can’t really blame the players for easing up a tad with just a couple of days left before takeoff. One final thought on Japan, they really did impress at times and definitely gave Andy Farrell a lot to think about as he prepares his Lions-less squad to face them next Saturday. That should be a very interesting summer test and I will be giving that a lot more of my attention than I will the “battle of the Lions” in Jo’burg. But despite my negative inclinations towards this tour, this particular 80 minutes represented a decent way to kick if off and should the entire series play out we got plenty of evidence that we’re well capable of giving the World Champions a run for their money. Sorry the writeup is shorter than usual but these have been busy times here at Harpin Manor. Planning another “quiz type” podcast during the week so stay tuned for that (and check out the last one ICYMI) and we’ll have all our regular coverage next weekend with the Under 20s also in the mix on Thursday. JLP

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THE IRISH RUGBY STORE AT ELVERYS

Front Five - 28.06.21

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

Will/should this tour go ahead?

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"Warren asked me just before the cap ceremony and it was surreal."

Conor Murray: British and Irish Lions scrum-half surprised to be given captaincy after Alun Wyn Jones injury

SkySports.com

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The (RSA) government has officially confirmed that the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa will go ahead as planned

Lions tour ON despite SA’s stricter lockdown measures

SARugbyMag.co.za

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Gatland's decision to go with Murray as his captain now casts doubt on the Test spots for Ken Owens, Stuart Hogg and Owen Farrell

Lions XV pecking order after Japan victory and injury nightmares

Patrick McCarry - SportsJoe.ie

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As it stands, Fiji and Pasifika have yet to deliver their final presentations to NZR about winning licences to join Super Rugby.

Super Rugby future clear as mud as conference system looms

Christy Doran - FoxSports.com.au

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...despite some conspiracy theories (namely that Adam Beard had snuck onto the pitch in a Japanese jersey) we can confirm everything was above board.

Video replay shows Alun Wyn Jones conspiracy theory is nonsense

Rugby Onslaught

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

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

Front Five - 27.06.21

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

Terrible news for AWJ, Tips & Ryan

I have to say the Murray call was a surprise

but of course I wish him all the best

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A crowd of 16,500 – rugby’s biggest since the pandemic began – witnessed a rout brimming with positives

Good day for Irish Lions but win over Japan marred by injury to captain Alun Wyn Jones

Duncan Bech - Irish Independent

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Murray, who turned 32 in April, is a veteran of two previous Lions tours and is favourite to form a half-back partnership with Dan Biggar

Murray named Lions captain but Ryan misses out as Navidi and Beard called up

RTÉ Rugby

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The second-row from Dublin made it clear...that he is not "coming out", but rather speaking openly about it for the first time.

Leinster Player Jack Dunne Speaks Openly About Being Bisexual

Eoin Harrington - Balls.ie

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...in this era of the comeback, who should be crowned as the English champions but a team that had seemed in pieces only a few months ago...?

Comeback kings Harlequins crowned as most extraordinary champions yet

Michael Aylwin - The Guardian

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Over an hour queue pre game for a beer, then 10 mins in to the game the whole stadium has “run out of alcohol” £150 for a ticket

Fans outraged as Murrayfield bars shut during Lions opener

Rugby World

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

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

Front Five - 26.06.21

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

ICYMI click here for our

Lions v Japan preview

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Coming into this tour of South Africa, the Leinster and Ireland prop is perhaps the best of them all.

Two-time tourist Furlong set for big Lions impact as Aki makes presence felt

Murray Kinsella - The42.ie

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Doak...ensured a high tempo to his team’s patterns and his eye for space on the fringes caused huge problems for the visitors. 

Nathan Doak plays star hand as Ireland under-20s make it a perfect 10

John O'Sullivan - Irish Times

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Toulouse led from pillar to post as they clinched a 21st domestic crown

Ronan O’Gara and La Rochelle suffer more final pain as Toulouse are crowned Top 14 champions

Irish Independent

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Quins, of course, come into the game as underdogs but there’s an air of invincibility about them at the moment

Bok boost for Harlequins as they look to topple Exeter

Planet Rugby

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"...we hope that by sharing our stories on Saturday...we can help position Leinster Rugby, our clubs, our schools, our communities, as a home for all."

Leinster Rugby to host Pride webinar

Marcus Ó Buachalla - LeinsterRugby.ie

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

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

Preview : Lions v Japan

 

We’ve been harping for so long on these pages this is actually our SECOND Lions Tour of South Africa, although naturally this one is very, very different to the 2009 version which kicked off with a 37-25 win over a “Royal XV”.

Obviously a whole lot has changed since then.  For starters there would be something wrong with me if I didn’t bring up that the 2009 version started a week after Leinster’s first Heineken Cup triumph.  And not only were our players missing from the Lions lineup in Rustenburg that day, so were the Bulls’ contingent - they were busy hammering the Chiefs in the Super Rugby final and as we all know, they’re now recovering from a final hammering of their own in a completely different hemisphere.

Let’s not forget that another difference is that we can’t really call it a proper “tour” because that word is meant to include to red army which sadly won’t be making the great journey south.  And I must say that even without those pesky COVID restrictions my personal enthusiasm for the Lions seems to decrease with each four-year cycle…

...until the actual matches themselves come around, that is.  Let’s face it, I love rugby, I love Leinster rugby and I love Ireland rugby so by extension I have to love Lions rugby and there is a whole lot about this fixture on Saturday to be excited about and once I’ve watched this, I’ll no doubt be as hooked as anyone all the way up to full time in the Third Test.

First we have the fact that this series opener is taking place in unusual places both live and on telly.  BT Murrayfield provides the very un-Lions-like venue while Virgin Media Sport and Channel 4 provide the free-to-air coverage which is definitely a good way to tempt the kind of sports fan looking for a curtain raiser to the Euro round ball knock outs.

Meanwhile for the likes of you and me who clearly see this clash with tha Brave Blossoms as the main feature, we have a starting XV which definitely doesn’t hold that many surprises given the identity of the head coach.

First, a word of sympathy for the brace of Socts who had to withdraw from the starting lineup, hopefully both Hamish & Zander will be able to feature when the actual travelling begins.

But that leaves us with an even stronger Leinster representation with Tadhg Furlong joining Robbie Henshaw and Jack Conan and with Bundee Aki, Conor Murray, Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne also starting there’s plenty to shout about.

That Aki/Henshaw pairing is definitely one that could be perfectly suited to Warrenball and with more beef in Duhan on the wing, the Welsh connection of Biggar, Adams and Liam Williams plus the experience of Murray there are options aplenty for the Lions backline.

In the pack, while it was of course amazing to see Jack Conan included in the squad it rises to another level again when he gets the chance to show what he can do at number 8 in the very first outing.  Clearly Toby on the bench would be the front runner for the test team but who’d bet against Jack being nimble and quick enough to jump over him.

Another who will could have a stand out day in Edinburgh is Iain Henderson.  He has looked the part in the Lion ever since he first broke into senior rugby and even though he is playing alongside the tour skipper here I’d be surprised if he were overshadowed.

Maybe Tadhg Beirne’s career path has been slightly different to Hendo’s but he’s no less worthy of his shot on this tour and I expect him to have something of a snaffle contest with Tipuric throughout this one, albeit against a very competitive Japanese back row.

And while we’re on the opposition lineup while their coach Joseph is trying out some new faces as they hope to build on the 2019 success (not a lot of test game time for them since then) there is still a lot of names we’ll remember from that talented group including Leitch, Matsushima and Tamura.  They definitely won’t make things easy for us, that’s for sure.

It was interesting how the two enforced changes didn’t make Warren alter the bench which would suggest he has specific plans for some of them to get some game time towards the end.  Clearly all eight of them will be able to make a difference but if I’d expect one to provide a “YouTube moment” it would definitely be Watson.

The bookies have the Lions winning by a 20-point margin, that sounds about right to me, but the most important thing will be to get players out wearing the famous jersey and playing some rugby.  After taking a few days off here at Harpin Manor, I’ll be going all in for the duration with previews, writeups and more of the “quiz-style” podcasts like the last one so be sure and stay tuned and also to follow us on Twitter as well as leaving your full-time thoughts on the Facebook page throughout.  JLP

_______________________________________________________

1888 Cup

Saturday, June 26, 2021

KO 3pm

BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (FFR)

AR1: Pierre Brousset (FFR)

AR2: Ludovic Cayre (FFR)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)

Virgin Media Two, Channel 4.

Front Five - 25.06.21

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

ICYMI click here for our weekly list of

upcoming rugby on Irish TV

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Murphy has opted for a new-look pairing in the half-backs with Leinster’s Tim Corkery...starting at 10 outside Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak.

Six changes as Ireland U20s continue Six Nations title defence against Wales

Niall Kelly - The42.ie

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“I’ve played OK this season, but...we are all starting from scratch. There’s no credit in the bank”

Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw has ‘unfinished business’ with the Lions after the disappointment of 2017 tour

Ruaidhri O'Connor - Irish Independent

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"We will field a strong, competitive team on Saturday while also taking the opportunity to blood new players as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup."

Japan vs British and Irish Lions: Kotaro Matsushima, Michael Leitch, Amanaki Mafi start; Kazuki Himeno on bench

SkySports.com

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...La Rochelle are the coming force, so much so that this reprise of the European final has been dubbed the new clasico of French club rugby.

Coming force La Rochelle face down Toulouse again with Top 14 title on the line

Gerry Thornley - Irish Times

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We break down who Ireland’s toughest competition for Olympic glory will be.

2020 Olympics: Who will Ireland 7s Rugby team need to beat for a medal

James Roulston Mooney - SportsNewsIreland

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

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

Rugby on TV : Jun 24-Jul 1

Rugby on TV is brought to you by

the IrishRugby TV YouTube channel

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

5PM

ZEBRE V MUNSTER (R)

PRO 14 RAINBOW CUP

EIR SPORT 2

7PM

SHARKS V BULLS (R)

PRO 14 RAINBOW CUP

EIR SPORT 2

8PM

LA ROCHELLE V RACING 92 (R)

TOP 14 SEMIFINAL

PREMIER SPORTS 2

9PM

PRO 14 RAINBOW CUP HIGHLIGHTS

FREESPORTS

10PM

TOULOUSE V BORDEAUX (R)

TOP 14 SEMIFINAL

PREMIER SPORTS 2

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

2PM

ENGLAND V SCOTLAND (L)

UNDER 20 SIX NATIONS

BBC iPLAYER

5PM

ITALY V FRANCE (L)

UNDER 20 SIX NATIONS

BBC iPLAYER

7:45PM

TOULOUSE V LA ROCHELLE (L)

TOP 14 FINAL

PREMIER SPORTS 1

FREESPORTS

8PM

WALES V IRELAND (L)

UNDER 20 SIX NATIONS

RTÉ TWO

8:50PM

LEINSTER V ULSTER (R-2013)

CLASSIC PRO 14 FINALS

EIR SPORT 1

11PM

THE RUGBY'S ON

BT SPORT 1

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

12PM

AUSTRALIA V LIONS (R-2013)

THIRD TEST 

SKY SPORTS NFL

2:30PM

TOULOUSE V LA ROCHELLE (R)

TOP 14 FINAL

PREMIER SPORTS 1

3PM

LIONS V JAPAN (L)

1888 CUP

VIRGIN MEDIA TWO

CHANNEL 4

4:15PM

TOULOUSE V LA ROCHELLE (R)

TOP 14 FINAL

FREESPORTS TV

5PM

BENETTON V BULLS (R)

PRO 14 RAINBOW CUP FINAL

EIR SPORT 2

5:30PM

EXETER CHIEFS V HARLEQUINS (L)

PREMIERSHIP FINAL

BT SPORT 1

6:45PM

SOUTH AFRICA V LIONS (R-1997)

SECOND TEST

SKY SPORTS NFL

9PM

FRANCE V IRELAND (H-2018)

CLASSIC SIX NATIONS

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

SUNDAY, JUNE 27

1:30PM

ENGLAND A V SCOTLAND A (L)

A INTERNATIONAL

CHANNEL 4

5PM

EXETER CHIEFS V HARLEQUINS (R)

PREMIERSHIP FINAL

BT SPORT 2

MONDAY, JUNE 28

5PM

GLASGOW WARRIORS V MUNSTER (R-2015)

CLASSIC PRO 14 FINALS

EIR SPORT 2

TUESDAY, JUNE 29

7PM

LEINSTER V GLASGOW WARRIORS (R-2014)

CLASSIC PRO 14 FINALS

EIR SPORT 2

7PM

AUSTRALIA V LIONS (H-2013)

THIRD TEST

SKY SPORTS NFL

8PM

WILL GREENWOOD'S LIONS PODCAST

SKY SPORTS NFL

8:30PM

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 

DOCUMENTARY

BT SPORT 3

8:35PM

LEINSTER V ULSTER (R)

PRO 14 RAINBOW CUP

EIR SPORT 1

9PM

NEW ZEALAND V LIONS (H-2017)

THIRD TEST

SKY SPORTS NFL

9:10PM

IRELAND V SCOTLAND (H-2018)

CLASSIC SIX NATIONS

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30

5:30PM

WILL GREENWOOD'S LIONS PODCAST

SKY SPORTS NFL

8:30PM

EXETER CHIEFS V HARLEQUINS (R)

PREMIERSHIP FINAL

BT SPORT 3

9PM

ENGLAND V IRELAND (H-2018)

CLASSIC SIX NATIONS

VRIGIN MEDIA SPORT

THURSDAY, JULY 1

7PM

ALAN QUINLAN - RED BLOODED

DOCUMENTARY

VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT

8PM

IRELAND V ENGLAND (L)

U20 SIX NATIONS

RTÉ NEWS

RTÉ PLAYER

8:30PM

TOULOUSE V LA ROCHELLE (R)

TOP 14 FINAL

PREMIER SPORTS 2

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L = LIVE

R = FULL REPEAT

T = TAPE DELAY

H = HIGHLIGHTS

Times for live broadcasts generally refer to kickoff

Check local listings for repeat showings

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