Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

South Africa are experts at building their team to peak at the right time

Springboks mastery of basics is its own kind of torture

The South African rugby team are currently touring their home country to visit the people that they represented during their deserved World Cup victory.

Rugby • 31 Oct 23

'One or two knock ons crept in throughout the aerial bombardment and unfortunately for England, the South African subs bench had a much more influential effect on the game than their own'

South Africa set up clash of styles against New Zealand

South Africa will play New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final, a clash of styles according to RTÉ Rugby columnist Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 24 Oct 23

'This isn't just a loss, it's the end of a four-year cycle, and at least two years of that cycle was spent with confident anticipation towards this World Cup'

The doom and gloom of starting a new four-year cycle

Jonny Holland is full of praise for New Zealand, and also examines the difficulty of starting a World Cup cycle under such a cloud.

Rugby • 17 Oct 23

All Blacks clash as much a mental battle as physical

Ireland convincingly beat Scotland on Saturday night to set up the double sided tale of revenge in a grudge match against the All Blacks this weekend.

Rugby • 10 Oct 23

'There should also be someone slightly detached from the group that has an extensive breakdown on every potential outcome'

Ireland must focus on job first, permutations later

Ireland know what they have to do against Scotland, writes Jonny Holland, but they also need to make sure they know exactly what they need in the event that the game goes down to the wire.

Rugby • 03 Oct 23

'It's advantage Ireland from a psychological perspective'

Ireland changed the picture to outmanoeuvre Springboks

Ireland were not perfect, but smart tactical tweaks helped them battle past South Africa in a World Cup blockbuster.

Rugby • 26 Sep 23

Jonny Holland: 'It's going to be a top class tactical battle between two of the form sides in the world, a showdown that we've been waiting months for'

Two areas likely to decide outcome against South Africa

If Ireland can brush up on their accuracy at the breakdown and the penalty count, victory over world champions South Africa is well within reach, according to Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 19 Sep 23

'When there's a gulf in ability between two sides, it can be a bit difficult to find the right decision at times'

Ireland have room to improve, S Africa the side to beat

Ireland put in a high-scoring performance against Romania but there's still plenty of room for improvement as their clash with South Africa draws near.

Rugby • 12 Sep 23

Jonny Holland: 'Andy Farrell is an expert at building that narrative and capturing the squads imagination on their path. His biggest challenge awaits'

Farrell could opt to play Sexton in every pool game

Jonny Holland looks at how Ireland head coach Andy Farrell might manage his squad in the early rounds of the RUgby World Cup.

Rugby • 05 Sep 23

'Andy Farrell has gained a lot of trust with how he manages the squad'

Physicality of modern game means rotation is everything

Ireland will require some good luck on the injury front at the upcoming World Cup in France, but squad depth will also be absolutely crucial if Andy Farrell's men are to go deep at the tournament.

Rugby • 29 Aug 23