And does European rugby no longer come with the fanfare of years gone by?

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Munster's Shane Daly on his way to scoring a brilliant try against Stade Francais Paris, Investec Champions Cup Round 1 at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photograph: Nick Elliott/ ©INPHO
Munster's Shane Daly on his way to scoring a brilliant try against Stade Francais Paris, Investec Champions Cup Round 1 at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photograph: Nick Elliott/ ©INPHO

As this year’s European action kicked off with a mostly positive weekend for the provinces, one difference between Irish sides and those they squared off with became apparent: pace. For some time now, Ireland has not produced game-breaking wingers with top end speed. Why is this the case?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to pick through this issue which could become all the more pressing. One Irish wing did stand out from the weekend. Connacht’s Chay Mullins finally debuted after a lengthy stint playing Sevens. Could he be the answer?

The panel also discuss how Europe no longer comes with the fanfare of years gone by, the quality of officiating from the weekend as well as the best of the provincial action.

Produced by John Casey.

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Clips: A worldie from Shane Daly / Genius from Brian O’Driscoll / Lightning pace from Louis Bielle-Biarrey.