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WRAP OF A WRAP

Well folks RWC is almost upon us so it’s about time we cranked the content-producing levels up a notch at Harpin Manor with the return of this 80+ column, where as the above blurb says, I look beyond the scope of our feature match each week and offer thoughts on other issues around the ruggersphere.

First up as ever just a quick reminder of our final wrap pod before the Big Show kicks off, ICYMI click here to check out episode 271 where myself, Mark Jackson & Conor Cronin harp mostly on Ireland v Samoa & the Irish squad announcement.  As ever the lads did a bang up job, as did Keego for the preview show on the Friday.

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HARPIN ON…IRELAND’S OPTIONS AT 3 & 6

The “bonus clip” is back on our YouTube channel, in recent weeks I have used them to get opinions from all contributors on the various options Ireland have in the 15 starting positions ahead of the World Cup so be sure and subscribe to the feed and check back to see the one’s we’ve covered already – this week Mark & Conor looked at two positi9ns from the pack.

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ENOUGH WITH THE DRAW ALREADY!!!

Probably not a good idea but I’ve decided to try and get in front of the camera more often this season, so each week I’ll do one of these 80+ column segments in TikTok form…this week’s is a reaction to the tweet below

Can we have some more discourse about the RWC draw please?

There’s a mathematical chance that not every combination of letters to articulate the same point has yet been achieved.

— A-P (@rugby_ap) August 27, 2023

@harpinonrugby

♬ original sound – Harpinonrugby.com

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IF YOU CAN’T DO THE TIME…

Sure we all want to see the best players at the Rugby World Cup, but come on…with all the kerfuffle around the Owen Farrell and Scott Barrett rulings, I can’t understand the opinion that “I’m delighted they’ll be able to play”.  Do I have to point out that it’s not about the actual players themselves, nor the countries they play for?  What’s the point in having sanctions if you’re going to sidestep using them just because there happens to be a tournament coming up?  OK obviously we can’t say for sure that’s what WR is doing with the rulings, but I can say that if we feel players have committed dangerous acts then it shouldn’t matter a damn what big matches are coming up, they should have to sit them out same as everyone else.

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CAN’T SAY IT ENOUGH – #BACKTHE33

I get being disappointed on behalf of players who don't make a squad but only to a point. When those conversations go too far you almost think folks want a team to fail to be proven right. I guess this might be the wrong platform for hoping everyone eventually gets behind the 33.

— Harpin' On Rugby (@HarpinOnRugby) August 27, 2023

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NEXT BATCH OF HARPIN’

Since this is the first 80+ of the new season I’ll keep it short and hopefully sweet but I am pretty sure there will be plenty of topics on which to harp over the coming weeks so stay tuned.  Just one more bit of content to come this week, namely one more “all-provincial pod” ahead of the World Cup then next week we’ll be back to full swing.

As ever be sure to enjoy your rugby wherever you are.  JLP

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