80+ column : April 23

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WRAP OF A WRAP

Considering Leinster conceded more points in the first 8 minutes v Ulster (3) than the previous 160+, there was a lot more to harp on for this week’s wrap – that said I decided to try and stick to the reduced timeframe we had used over the past two weeks and I think it worked out pretty well, with Ciarán Duffy and David Cordial providing the bulk of the wrapping between them  Ciarán now sits on 199 overall contributions to Harpin’ On Rugby over the years so plans are afoot at Harpin’ Manor to properly commemorate the upcoming milestone.

ICYMI click here to check it out on Spotify or you’ll also find us on Apple and most major platforms.

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FRONT FIVE

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THINKING INSIDE THE BOX

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MURPHY’S LAW

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I’M STEVE

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WHOLE NEW WORLD

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DIVINE INTERVENTION

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HARPIN ON…LEINSTER PLAYER PROFILES (PART 1)

lead-in question :

“Last week we honoured Jordie Barrett’s excellent display by looking at Leinster’s greatest imports so I suppose with the business end of the season upon us it might be a good time to turn the spotlight on the current crop of boys in blue. I have asked the panel to select a player each to harp on, starting with David who wants to feature Saturday night’s player of the match…”

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LEINSTER SQUAD UPDATE

Last week when I put together my predicted Leinster 23 I failed to take two things into consideration – first, Leinster’s willingness to field much stronger URC squads even at this time of year.  I wonder if Richie Murphy & co even suspected to be facing both Messrs Henshaw and Ringrose together for example.  But I also forgot about the All Ireland League semifinals, which last weekend featured the names who could have played the interpro like Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector and Cormac Foley.  Since Tarf came out on top at Castle Avenue (see updates below), Tector and Foley could well be in the reckoning for Llanelli, because I have to assume there will be a lot more cotton wool used this time around.

caveat : I have no “ITK” a la Thornley

OFFICIAL UPDATE posted Tuesday

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TROLL PATROL

Now it’s time for Troll Patrol where we ‘detain’ a social media commentator and charge them with gaslightery and general online mayhem.

Ah, James.  Very bold Leinster on Munster trolling that thoroughly deserves this week’s detention.  And it’s not just the comment itself, but also the timing…right after the Bulls pinched a win at Thomond Park.  Naturally we here at Harpin Monor couldn’t possibly condone such online behaviour…

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Women’s Six Nations

Irish Shield

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All Ireland Leagues

WOMEN’S AIL

MEN’S AIL 1B

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SVNS

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Challenge Cup

Premiership

🔝🐱🐴

ProD2

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Super Rugby Pacific

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RWC2027 QUALIFIERS

The RWC2027 tournament has expanded to 24 nations so with four extra spots up for grabs it makes for a fascinating qualifying process.

Rather than post the latest results and fixtures here however, I’d like to defer to the excellent work of frequent Harpin’ contributor Ciarán Duffy who has been keeping close tabs on the qualifying process over at his own site Post to Post Sport.

Follow this link to see how the Road to Australia is progressing..

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Japan League One

Major League Rugby 

Harpin Prediction League

This is the 4th season of our Superbru prediction league among Harpin’ pod contributors.  

Kristian is the reigning champion, but the real competition is in avoiding finishing last, which means you must wear The Jersey of Shame.  I had to wear it the first year, while Keego has had the honour the past two seasons.

As you can see our resident stats expert Rugby Kino is leading the way with room to spare although Mark does seem to be gaining on him… meanwhile down at the foot of the table, a mini fightback from David sees the Jersey race up for grabs again.

We’ve also added a Cup (or Mug) competition to make things interesting, with Conor pipping Tom in the second semifinal to join some guy called Jeff in the final this weekend.

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NEXT BATCH OF HARPIN’

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