The42 Rugby Weekly

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Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey look ahead to Italy and discuss what they would like to see Andy Farrell do at 10 this weekend.

Plus -- central contracts: what's actually the story with them? Ulster and Munster make left-field new signings; England's Championship clubs brace themselves for the introduction of Premiership 'A' sides to their league, and the lads wonder whether something similar might work better in Ireland; Berch recalls his coffee with Roy Keane in Wellington in 2008 and explains why Padraig Harrington was the best motivational speaker he's ever heard; and the pod remembers 'Inga the Winga', the great Va'aiga Tuigamala who has passed away aged 52.

Murray and Gavan also give listeners an update on the new podcast schedule.

Should Sexton start, Padraig Harrington's role in '09 Slam, and could provincial 'A' teams play AIL?

For a 20% discount on an annual membership to The42, use the promo code THE42RW at members.the42.ie.

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On our final Thursday show before we switch to a members-exclusive format on Monday, Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey discuss high tackles, red cards, and the supposed ruination of the sport of rugby union. Berch examines rugby in French Polynesia and its impact on the current national side, and Murray highlights the various backroads to professional rugby in Ireland after City of Armagh star Shea O'Brien signed with Ulster during the week. The lads also look ahead to the provinces' four URC games this weekend.

Shut up about 'ruining the game', France's Polynesian infusion, and two big signings for Connacht

Gavan Casey and Murray Kinsella look ahead to a massive weekend of rugby for Ireland, the Ireland U20s, France, and Munster.

Shock Scots selection, Triple Crown chance, and a Grand Slam shot

Garry Doyle joins Gavan Casey to preview Leinster-Connacht, Ulster-Toulouse and Munster-Exeter in the Champions Cup.

What a weekend ahead

FREE MEMBERS PODCAST: Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey for the first Monday pod of the 2022/23 season which, for one week only, is available for free to both members and non-members of The42. 

If you're not yet a member and you fancy listening to this podcast every Monday (as well as receiving further exclusive Rugby Weekly Extra pods every Wednesday and immediately following Ireland tests), visit members.the42.ie.

On today's agenda:

2.00: Mathieu Raynal v Australia -- Bernard, Murray and Gavan explain how they've separately come to be supporters of #TeamRaynal as the French referee's controversial decision from Thursday's Bledisloe Cup match continues to reverberate around the rugby world.

15.00: Ulster v Connacht -- Stuart McCloskey's influence and the differences between him and Bundee Aki/Robbie Henshaw in an Ireland context; Ulster's standout performers, and concerns for Connacht as they pick up where they left off last season -- in a bad way.

30.55: Zebre v Leinster -- A tough day in Parma for Leinster's defence; have they become too forward-oriented and, if so, how do they broaden their palette when it's so often the right approach for them on a game-by-game basis? 

39.40: Cardiff v Munster -- A different-looking Munster but similar frustrations; a big change in their kicking game, and could Jack Crowley be the secret to a fully firing Mike Prendergast-steered attack?

49.27: Berch v the Emerging Ireland tour -- Bernard and Murray discuss the potential RWC bolters from Ireland's development squad that is set to tour South Africa, and they also give their contrasting views on the merits of the tour as a whole.

Free members pod: Why Raynal was right; how does McCloskey have only six caps?; RWC squad bolters

Bernard Jackman joins Murray Kinsella to break down Andy Farrell's 35-man Ireland squad and welcome the news that Joe Schmidt is back in the game.

Cooney cut, fresh faces, prop problems, and picking Ireland's back three

Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and Ciarán Kennedy set the scene with a preview show that kicks off the rugby weekend.