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# wing man
Milner Skudder shouldn't look this good but he's an All Black and all he knows is success
New Zealand play in such a way that it guarantees their wingers always thrive, writes Simon Hick.
# rwc 15
'He sees the blueprint for rugby success the same way the rest of us read a menu'
Simon Hick unravels the genius of Ireland head coach, Joe Schmidt.
# column
Failure in their own tournament would be the most embarrassing episode in English sport
Simon Hick discusses the mess England now find themselves in after entering the World Cup infused with hope and optimism.
# rwc 15
'During the World Cup, things get fuzzy, the lines of logic get blurred'
Simon Hick reflects on how past tournaments were won and lost.
# column
'He has the Kearney composure DNA and a laser-like focus at key moments'
Simon Hick details how Dave Kearney is a Joe Schmidt player.
# column
'Scotland game will be the biggest challenge of Joe Schmidt's international career'
The nature of the Wales defeat has led to disproportionate levels of gloom, writes Simon Hick.
# Ireland
Simon Hick Column: 'Don't hate the players, hate the game'
Our man says Ireland aren’t taking risks, but rugby clearly doesn’t reward risk takers anymore.
# column
'The argument that players will keep getting bigger in the future doesn’t hold up'
Simon Hick looks at a subject that’s becoming difficult to ignore — the sheer bulk of the beasts on show.
# fear factor
Simon Hick Column: There's no show like a Joe Schmidt show
Many pundits are tipping Ireland to defend their 6 Nations title and our columnist says it’s all down to the man in charge.
# game plan
Simon Hick column: Schmidt's Ireland aren't playing beautifully but they might never need to
Ireland have been beating the world’s top teams with a strong kicking game and sound fundamentals.
# unlucky 13
Simon Hick column: 'BOD’s legacy is positive in every way, apart from the vacuum left in his absence'
Just who will wear the 13 jersey long term remains a mystery.
# come back to what you know
Simon Hick column: Penney era a step backwards, but glory days won't be easy to revive for Foley
The bootroom philosophy of appointing coaches can work, but will it work in Munster?
# playmaker
Simon Hick column: Will the real Ian Madigan please stand up?
Leinster fans, Matt O’Connor and Joe Schmidt will be hoping to see a strong performance from the out-half on Saturday.
# G-G-G-Galway
Simon Hick column: Connacht prove the west's awake with headline grabbing signings
Pat Lam has shown he means business with his latest business.
# Pro12
Simon Hick column: Rabo Pro title scant consolation for Irish provinces
If anything, the competition has gone backwards in recent years, writes our columnist.
# Heineken Cup
Simon Hick column: Irish nous staving off French power play, for now
Top 14 sides have been unashamed in spending big and buying bigger in recent years, writes Simon Hick.
# column
Simon Hick column: Foundation blocks are in place for 2015 World Cup tilt
Joe Schmidt has a habit of reaching his targets, writes Simon Hick.
# loser leaves town
Simon Hick column: This Ireland side can prove they're no one-hit wonders
This group of players can set the record straight this weekend, writes Simon Hick.
# column
Simon Hick column: Irish rugby is in the middle of a golden age
Thanks to a remarkable generation of players, the Ireland team is in the midst of its ‘Alex Ferguson era’.
# 6 Nations
Simon Hick column: Ireland need to add some magic to Schmidt's masterplan
They’ve done the basics brilliantly, but Ireland need a little extra.
# ireveng
Simon Hick column: Ireland can push buttons of England's loose cannon Hartley
Stuart Lancaster has tried to weed out the bad boys from the Red Rose. But he’s stuck with Dylan Hartley.
# all-terrain
Simon Hick column: No such thing as the 'Joe Schmidt style'
Rather than fuss over pretty patterns, the Kiwi coach is figuring out new ways to win each game.
# irevwal
Simon Hick column: Sexton key to Ireland kicking on against old rivals
The Racing Metro man showed his class on Sunday but until he closes out a tie for Ireland, there’ll be a few doubters.
# 6 Nations
Simon Hick column: Schmidt’s side as good as 2009 heroes… on paper
The devil, as always, will be in the detail for the former Leinster coach if he’s to make a title-winning start, like Declan Kidney.
# suftum
Simon Hick column: Humphreys vision has Ulster within reach of greatness
Along with the signing of talented Springboks, the Director of Rugby had a pivotal role to play in Ulster’s success.
# column
Simon Hick: French powers tightening their grip on European rugby
For European competition to have real credibility it needs the English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh to be realistic contenders, writes Simon Hick.
# column
Simon Hick column: Dealing with O'Brien loss is Schmidt's biggest challenge
The back row is the key area for Ireland, and without the powerful flanker something will be missing.
# Rebuilding
The Penney's dropped for Munster - Simon Hick
Whisper it, but key components seem to be falling in to place for Rob Penney’s men.
# That's Leinstertainment
Simon Hick column: The horizons have shifted after Leinster’s Garden party
“Matt O’Connor has now proven his team are capable of great things, so is expected to do it two weeks in a row.”
# HCup
Simon Hick Column: Detail is king and Penney must get the balance right
While Munster are flying high in the PRO12 table, they will undoubtedly be judged on their Heineken Cup campaign.
# IreNz
Simon Hick column: Ireland were right to gamble all on black... even if it didn't work
International rugby, and sport in general, rewards risk-takers who choose the right moment.
# mentality
Simon Hick column: Ireland must believe they can beat the All Blacks
The mindsets of supporters, players and management are essential to Ireland’s hopes of pulling off a shock win.
# about schmidt
Simon Hick column: Changes at top make for exciting times at Lansdowne
Saturday is day zero for new regimes in Irish rugby and soccer, writes Simon Hick.
# Thinking Big
Simon Hick column: Joe Schmidt can launch Irish rugby towards new heights
The new Ireland coach can forge a new identity for Ireland by making us world leaders in attack.
# Big Shoes
Simon Hick column: Still no clear plan for life after BOD
Outside centre is a difficult position to fill at the best of times, but following Ireland’s best ever player will be
# straight talker
Simon Hick column: Penney honesty is refreshing, don’t hush him
If it’s the truth, why not say it?
# nurture over nature
Simon Hick column: Street spirit makes All Blacks catch fire
After the Rugby Championship decider on Saturday, Ireland’s big inter-pro was a bit of a comedown.
# Opinion
Simon Hick column: A whole new ball game as rugby world tears itself apart
The game is facing civil war and a redrawn world map. But what next for the Irish provinces?
# In conference
Simon Hick's View from the Frontline: youth and young manhood
Warren Gatland will lead a fresh-faced Welsh side out to face Ireland this weekend. Here’s why.
# Scrum time
Simon Hick's View from the Frontline: welcome to the capital of cool
There’s a coffee shop every 50 yards, the locals walk and talk a little faster than your average New Zealander and there is a sense of a town with very little time on its hands.