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# forwards

This year
2023
# Paulie
'The harder it is, the better... I was happy Atonio wasn’t sent off'
Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell is a huge influence behind the scenes.
35.9k
7
Updated
Mar 3rd 2023, 3:07 PM
Last year
2022
# Physicality
'It's not always size... We need to stop being the nice Connacht Irish boys'
Dewald Senekal wants to see his players bringing more of an edge to their game.
6.4k
2
Sep 27th 2022, 5:45 AM
# Allez les Verts
'They're an incredible team but we're definitely more than capable'
Andrew Porter and Ireland will bring confidence into Saturday’s clash with France.
8.6k
3
Feb 8th 2022, 6:00 AM
# forwards
'We didn't have the reputation as one of those big packs around Europe'
Sam Carter and Ulster will test themselves against Munster tomorrow in Limerick.
7.6k
4
Jan 7th 2022, 8:17 AM
All time
# up front
Dynamic, quick, skillful - Ireland's forward pack looks finely balanced
Andy Farrell is excited about what his ‘brilliant pack’ can do against Japan.
20.0k
32
Updated
Nov 5th 2021, 8:32 AM
# front up
'We're definitely going to come out swinging... That's what Munster do'
Niall Scannell is relishing going up against a heavyweight Toulouse pack on Saturday.
7.5k
20
Apr 1st 2021, 6:00 AM
# Analysis
McFarland's Ulster keep the faith in collective speed and ball-handling skill
The northern province stuck to their philosophy as they mounted a dramatic comeback last night.
7.0k
2
Sep 6th 2020, 2:30 PM
# Defence
'If Murray is playing that first half for England, he's probably man of the match'
Ireland lock James Ryan says the forwards need to make life easier for Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton.
59.1k
73
Updated
Feb 25th 2020, 3:00 PM
# Fronting Up
Healy 'annoyed' about scrum penalties as Ireland's forwards strive for more
The Irish maul struggled to get going against Scotland last weekend.
10.0k
7
Feb 4th 2020, 8:30 PM
# up front
'He will become one of the greats' - Ryan central in Ireland pack primed to step up
Meanwhile, Rhys Ruddock put himself firmly in the mix with a big showing against Russia.
8.1k
2
Oct 9th 2019, 2:24 AM
# Fronting Up
Analysis: How Ireland's forwards took Scotland apart in World Cup opener
A superb set-piece and ruthless streak broke the Scots in Yokohama.
39.0k
22
Sep 22nd 2019, 8:16 PM
# Turned Over
Analysis: Joe Schmidt's Ireland beat the All Blacks at their own game
The Ireland forwards showed off their handling skills to go along with the physicality.
47.6k
14
Nov 19th 2018, 5:55 PM
# Fronting Up
Irish descendent Ayerza and the Pumas are coming for Ireland's scrum
‘They haven’t dominated many teams. We’re planning to really take it to them.’
14.3k
15
Oct 16th 2015, 6:30 AM
# boarding cards
T Minus 400 to the Rugby World Cup, time to look at the likely squad
Put on the kettle, roll out the biscuits and help us pick the 17 forwards Joe Schmidt should take to the World Cup.
12.8k
40
Nov 26th 2014, 9:38 PM
# smarts
Analysis: Ireland's intelligent maul defence frustrates the Boks
Simon Easterby and Paul O’Connell came up with a smart way to stop the South Africans.
21.6k
33
Nov 11th 2014, 10:50 PM
# Fresh Perspective
Ireland pack making minor tweaks to solid foundations under Easterby
Joe Schmidt’s new forwards coach explains that small adjustments can help Ireland stay ahead of the opposition.
5.8k
3
Oct 29th 2014, 4:09 PM
# scrums
We'll learn a hell of a lot being in the cauldron of Argentina - Greg Feek
Ireland’s scrum coach is happy with the progress made this season, but recognises that more growth is required.
4.2k
3
May 21st 2014, 7:30 AM
# Succession
Gibbes confident that 'hungry, motivated and self-driven' Leinster will improve
The Kiwi forwards coach believes in Leo Cullen’s ability to replace him at the province next season.
2.4k
2
May 15th 2014, 8:30 AM
# Expert
Ex-Wallaby Marco Caputo set to replace Feek as Leinster scrum coach
The five-times capped former hooker previously played alongside Matt O’Connor for the Brumbies.
4.0k
8
May 10th 2014, 3:53 PM
# pack power
Murray gives 'special mention' to his forwards after armchair ride against Toulouse
The Munster scrum-half says his pack ensured yesterday’s Heineken Cup clash was an enjoyable outing for Munster’s clinical backline.
8.9k
8
Apr 6th 2014, 10:00 AM
# Dynamic Duos
POLL: Who are the Premier League's best ever strike partnership?
Suarez and Sturridge hit their 48th league goal last night but how do they compare to the great combos?
12.9k
55
Mar 27th 2014, 6:25 PM
# Forward Thinking
'We've gathered some real respect from the other teams' - John Plumtree
The Ireland forwards coach is calling on his pack to finish off the Six Nations with two more powerful performances.
4.0k
3
Mar 6th 2014, 7:00 AM
# Forward power
Ireland's maul 'not a nuclear bomb yet' but the signs are good
Ireland forwards coach John Plumtree gives a little insight into the theory behind the maul.
5.4k
6
Feb 5th 2014, 10:30 AM
# In the tight
The 4 vital areas for Ireland’s forwards to dominate this afternoon
Forwards coach John Plumtree discusses his men’s prospects at the breakdown, scrum, line-out and in the last 20 minutes.
3.3k
1
Feb 2nd 2014, 7:05 AM
# Fronting Up
‘Less talk and more action’ for Ireland against the All Blacks
Ireland forwards coach John Plumtree says his pack has promised to do their talking on the pitch.
2.0k
0
Nov 21st 2013, 7:30 AM
# prop life
Archer ready for forward battle with strong Leinster pack
The Munster tight head knows how important the set piece contest will be at Thomond Park on Saturday.
2.0k
0
Oct 3rd 2013, 3:31 PM
# Forwards Coach
'I've been impressed with the standard': Ireland forwards coach John Plumtree
The New Zealander is excited about the challenge ahead, saying we have “world-class” players.
2.5k
11
Sep 25th 2013, 7:15 AM
# Heineken Cup
Elwood pays tribute to 'immense' McSharry ahead of Biarritz tilt
The Connacht backline is looking its most dangerous in recent memory.
1.7k
4
Dec 11th 2012, 6:59 PM
# Happy Holidays
Heineken Cup: Biarritz suspend coaches ahead of Connacht rematch
Jack Isaac and Serge Milhas have been put on a month’s leave by club president Serge Blanco.
2.0k
0
Dec 11th 2012, 1:36 PM
# IreArg
November tests: The only way is up for Foley
The Ireland forwards coach has personal experience of grinding out victories over Argentina.
4.6k
0
Nov 21st 2012, 6:15 PM
# IreArg
November tests: Sexton misses training but back row set to stay intact
The Irish out-half may not train until Thursday morning.
3.7k
0
Nov 20th 2012, 4:31 PM
# Forward Thinking
'There's nothing wrong with the confidence' - Gert Smal
It’s those niggly little details that have tripped Ireland up for the past 18 months, explained the Irish coach.
580
0
Nov 14th 2012, 8:30 AM
# Attacking Stars
O'Dwyer leads the way in the U21 hurling scoring charts
The Tipperary forward is in pole position to land the accolade for contributions in front of goal.
1.2k
0
Sep 12th 2012, 11:50 AM
# what about me?
No place for Robbie Keane in All-Star team voted for by MLS fans
The Irish striker has missed out on the starting XI most American supporters would like to see face Chelsea on 25 July.
1.2k
1
Jul 9th 2012, 1:37 PM
# Sweet n' Loew
No strikers please, we're German: Joachim Loew names 23-man squad for Euro 2012
The three-time European Championship winners are short on forwards but brimming with goalscoring midfielders.
1.3k
0
May 28th 2012, 6:25 PM