Better performance, should have got 2 bonus points out of it but was a game they had chances to win. After last weeks ill discipline this was a much better performance
Christy O’Connor
Cross field kicks killed us and there were a number of other times they could’ve exposed us, but luckily we escaped. Saying all that, very unlucky not to have come away with 2 points
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26 September 2025; Luke McGrath of Leinster during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Leinster at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile
Two yellows in one game, how many did we get last season?
We looked rusty and disinterested but let’s not get carried away. First game of a long season, let just learn from it.
Kevin Kelehan
Kick up the arse first day of the new season, 2 cards in 4 minutes made the scoreline a hammering. It will get better from here
Chris McDonnell
Our coaches know the players who were available for the past 2 or 3 months and still we couldn’t win a lineout scrum or even score a point. Total failure from our coaching staff once again. Not one coach from our group can say his pre season work actually looked better than a shambles.
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I’d like to thank Mark and of course all the Harpin contributors over the course of the season as we wind down Season 6 of our humble pod.
We’re looking at one more recording next weekend looking ahead to the Women’s World Cup and otherwise our only content between now and our Season 7 premiere will be our weekly 80+ column which will continue posting on Wednesday.
Well finally we have arrived at crunch time of any tour the tests series. The combinations and permutations have had their chances and despite what we all think Andy Farrell has put what he thinks is his best currently available 23 for battle with Australia this Saturday in Brisbane.
Injury and form usually plays a big part in selection and there can be many conversations to be had from Hugo Keenan at fullback right the way to Ellis Genge in the loosehead jersey and all through the extended squad.
Back row has been the area with most chat doing the rounds with a case to be made for all those not involved on Saturday to be included and will see how this combo goes especially at the breakdown where personally I feel the game will see most of Australias efforts being targeted. Curry and pals will find McReight and skipper Wilson ample does on the floor and will need to use the packs size and power as Australia are lacking with those aspects due to current injuries.
Joe Schmidt has always put a premium on kicking game and back three of Lowe,Freeman and Keenan will be vital in neutralizing any high balls and providing the Lions with extra options in attacking game with or without the ball w chasing and harassing a strong part of Aussie game with Tom Wright
Neither side has had ideal preparation with Lions not facing any hardened opponents on tour ,Argentina excluded and Australia struggling past a decent Fijian side.
As well as breakdown and back 3 aspects ,lineout will be crucial as per and selection of Beirne at 6 may tilt that in Lions favour.
Some thoughts from “me holiers” ahead of the first test….apologies to Rich Mifsud for forgetting he’ll be joining me for the wrap pod not Conor! 🤦♂️ #rugbytiktok#lionsrugby
HARPIN' ON RUGBY 