Are enough young players being blooded to ensure exciting times ahead?

Listen | 41:54
Ireland celebrate as Gus McCarthy scores the match winning try against Australia during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images
Ireland celebrate as Gus McCarthy scores the match winning try against Australia during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

After a narrow win over Australia wrapped up a mix bag of an Autumn Nations Series, The Counter Ruck pores through where Andy Farrell’s side finds itself heading into the new year. How can the attack return to its world leading status? Are Ireland evolving to stay in the pack? What is the latest in the current outhalf debate? Does Jack Crowley once again have the upper hand?

What are Ireland actually doing differently, and are enough young players being blooded to ensure exciting times are ahead? All these questions and more are answered by Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and host Nathan Johns. We also look at the mental challenges of being involved in what promises to be a never-ending outhalf debate, while delving into the worrying financial picture currently facing the sport.

Produced by John Casey.