New Zealand play in such a way that it guarantees their wingers always thrive, writes Simon Hick.

Simon Hick unravels the genius of Ireland head coach, Joe Schmidt.

Simon Hick discusses the mess England now find themselves in after entering the World Cup infused with hope and optimism.

Simon Hick reflects on how past tournaments were won and lost.

Simon Hick details how Dave Kearney is a Joe Schmidt player.

The nature of the Wales defeat has led to disproportionate levels of gloom, writes Simon Hick.

Our man says Ireland aren’t taking risks, but rugby clearly doesn’t reward risk takers anymore.

Simon Hick looks at a subject that’s becoming difficult to ignore — the sheer bulk of the beasts on 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.

Ireland have been beating the world’s top teams with a strong kicking game and sound fundamentals.

Just who will wear the 13 jersey long term remains a mystery.

The bootroom philosophy of appointing coaches can work, but will it work in Munster?

Leinster fans, Matt O’Connor and Joe Schmidt will be hoping to see a strong performance from the out-half on Saturday.

Pat Lam has shown he means business with his latest business.

If anything, the competition has gone backwards in recent years, writes our columnist.

Top 14 sides have been unashamed in spending big and buying bigger in recent years, writes Simon Hick.

Joe Schmidt has a habit of reaching his targets, writes Simon Hick.

This group of players can set the record straight this weekend, writes Simon Hick.

Thanks to a remarkable generation of players, the Ireland team is in the midst of its ‘Alex Ferguson era’.

They’ve done the basics brilliantly, but Ireland need a little extra.

Stuart Lancaster has tried to weed out the bad boys from the Red Rose. But he’s stuck with Dylan Hartley.

Rather than fuss over pretty patterns, the Kiwi coach is figuring out new ways to win each game.

The Racing Metro man showed his class on Sunday but until he closes out a tie for Ireland, there’ll be a few doubters.

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.

Along with the signing of talented Springboks, the Director of Rugby had a pivotal role to play in Ulster’s success.

For European competition to have real credibility it needs the English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh to be realistic contenders, writes Simon Hick.

The back row is the key area for Ireland, and without the powerful flanker something will be missing.

Whisper it, but key components seem to be falling in to place for Rob Penney’s men.

“Matt O’Connor has now proven his team are capable of great things, so is expected to do it two weeks in a row.”

While Munster are flying high in the PRO12 table, they will undoubtedly be judged on their Heineken Cup campaign.

International rugby, and sport in general, rewards risk-takers who choose the right moment.

The mindsets of supporters, players and management are essential to Ireland’s hopes of pulling off a shock win.

Saturday is day zero for new regimes in Irish rugby and soccer, writes Simon Hick.

The new Ireland coach can forge a new identity for Ireland by making us world leaders in attack.

Outside centre is a difficult position to fill at the best of times, but following Ireland’s best ever player will be

If it’s the truth, why not say it?

After the Rugby Championship decider on Saturday, Ireland’s big inter-pro was a bit of a comedown.

The game is facing civil war and a redrawn world map. But what next for the Irish provinces?

Warren Gatland will lead a fresh-faced Welsh side out to face Ireland this weekend. Here’s why.

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.