Three Red Kings
@threeredkings.bsky.social
Analysing Munster and Irish Rugby.
It's not necessarily about jettisoning everyone north of 32 — every good team has those veterans there. But the issue is when most of the team in core areas is the wrong side of 30.
That's when you start to see guys still playing, but not hitting anywhere near what they were at their peak.
That's when you start to see guys still playing, but not hitting anywhere near what they were at their peak.
You could argue it worked, Stringer 41, DOC 39, Ryan 37, ROG 36, Earls 36, Archer 37, Murray 36, POC was a bit unlucky at 36, was contracted for another 2 years.
That's a lot of players at Munster in 2012 who kept playing top level rugby into their late 30s.
That's a lot of players at Munster in 2012 who kept playing top level rugby into their late 30s.
November 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM
It's not necessarily about jettisoning everyone north of 32 — every good team has those veterans there. But the issue is when most of the team in core areas is the wrong side of 30.
That's when you start to see guys still playing, but not hitting anywhere near what they were at their peak.
That's when you start to see guys still playing, but not hitting anywhere near what they were at their peak.
Whenever I see former Irish internationals talking about how the Irish system promotes "longevity" as a response to criticism about the Irish team all getting older, I think back to the 2011 Maldini Project at Munster and what an unmitigated disaster it was.
www.joe.ie/uncategorize...
www.joe.ie/uncategorize...
What the hell is Munster's 'Maldini Project'?
It sounds like something from a James Bond film but Munster have turned to Italy to help keep their players playing for longer.
www.joe.ie
November 14, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Whenever I see former Irish internationals talking about how the Irish system promotes "longevity" as a response to criticism about the Irish team all getting older, I think back to the 2011 Maldini Project at Munster and what an unmitigated disaster it was.
www.joe.ie/uncategorize...
www.joe.ie/uncategorize...
Let's see what's going on over on Four Jug Twitter
oh
oh no
oh
oh no
November 14, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Let's see what's going on over on Four Jug Twitter
oh
oh no
oh
oh no
Personally, I want to see how Prendergast goes against fresh sides from the start at this level. Same with Paddy McCarthy
I don’t have a problem with rotating the 10s round - but the commentary about it is baffling - he deserves a go? - it’s weak and does nothing for either player imo - personally I think Crowley is way stronger but SP finishing games could be a brilliant option
November 13, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Personally, I want to see how Prendergast goes against fresh sides from the start at this level. Same with Paddy McCarthy
November 13, 2025 at 2:37 PM
One thing I really hate about the "sure weren't we getting hammered by the All Blacks in 2012" line of thinking is that it assumes it's a default way of being that's OK to slide back to.
November 12, 2025 at 3:20 PM
One thing I really hate about the "sure weren't we getting hammered by the All Blacks in 2012" line of thinking is that it assumes it's a default way of being that's OK to slide back to.
The Indo have finally found their man to blame for Ireland's lineout problems — Jack Crowley.
a man is standing in front of a podium that says last week tonight on it
ALT: a man is standing in front of a podium that says last week tonight on it
media.tenor.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:24 AM
The Indo have finally found their man to blame for Ireland's lineout problems — Jack Crowley.
One of the biggest things I hear about when talking to journalists working in other sports in Ireland (and abroad) is how servile the Irish rugby media have been to the Irish head coach, be it Schmidt or Farrell, over the last 10+ years.
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
One of the biggest things I hear about when talking to journalists working in other sports in Ireland (and abroad) is how servile the Irish rugby media have been to the Irish head coach, be it Schmidt or Farrell, over the last 10+ years.
SUPER DELUXE WALLY RATINGS :: Ireland 41 Japan 10
Ireland played... pretty decently. And that, in itself, is the problem.
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Ireland played... pretty decently. And that, in itself, is the problem.
www.patreon.com/posts/super-...
SUPER DELUXE WALLY RATINGS #317 :: Ireland 41 Japan 10 | Three Red Kings
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November 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
SUPER DELUXE WALLY RATINGS :: Ireland 41 Japan 10
Ireland played... pretty decently. And that, in itself, is the problem.
www.patreon.com/posts/super-...
Ireland played... pretty decently. And that, in itself, is the problem.
www.patreon.com/posts/super-...
I would also say that the idea of who's "good enough" and who isn't in this Irish bubble is very much up for debate over the last 18 months.
Wycherly isn't good enough and O'Connell isn't ready.
Leinster's line out is at 94% this year. Given their players make up the bulk of the pack, that suggests the issue is not the players, or not solely them anyway
Leinster's line out is at 94% this year. Given their players make up the bulk of the pack, that suggests the issue is not the players, or not solely them anyway
November 9, 2025 at 11:24 AM
I would also say that the idea of who's "good enough" and who isn't in this Irish bubble is very much up for debate over the last 18 months.
If we're looking at lineout callers in an Irish context, one of the guys who's not in the squad who perhaps could be is Fineen Wycherley.
At a younger level, I know Evan O'Connell is rated quite highly for his lineout calling too.
It really is a distinct skill set all on its own.
At a younger level, I know Evan O'Connell is rated quite highly for his lineout calling too.
It really is a distinct skill set all on its own.
November 9, 2025 at 11:06 AM
If we're looking at lineout callers in an Irish context, one of the guys who's not in the squad who perhaps could be is Fineen Wycherley.
At a younger level, I know Evan O'Connell is rated quite highly for his lineout calling too.
It really is a distinct skill set all on its own.
At a younger level, I know Evan O'Connell is rated quite highly for his lineout calling too.
It really is a distinct skill set all on its own.
The real question is whether "mush" is OK
Men (who aren't from Limerick) addressing their gf as "kid" - acceptable or unacceptable?
November 8, 2025 at 6:33 PM
The real question is whether "mush" is OK
Does a good 30 minutes against a tired Japanese side ranked 13th in the world give you back the #10 jersey?
It probably does, actually.
Sure, it's like changing the candle colour on a birthday cake on the Titanic at this point but we are where we are.
It probably does, actually.
Sure, it's like changing the candle colour on a birthday cake on the Titanic at this point but we are where we are.
Delighted Sam came on and played well, but can't believe Heaslip suggested he now has the 10 shirt again. I mean, yes he had a good 20mins, but Jesus that's his first good 20 in QUITE a while in green or blue.
November 8, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Does a good 30 minutes against a tired Japanese side ranked 13th in the world give you back the #10 jersey?
It probably does, actually.
Sure, it's like changing the candle colour on a birthday cake on the Titanic at this point but we are where we are.
It probably does, actually.
Sure, it's like changing the candle colour on a birthday cake on the Titanic at this point but we are where we are.
The game really broke up in the last 20 as Japan tired and rotated to a mostly inexperienced bench.
Ireland put them away, as you'd expect in those circumstances, but big, big issues remain.
Bank the win, but two massive games to follow
Ireland put them away, as you'd expect in those circumstances, but big, big issues remain.
Bank the win, but two massive games to follow
November 8, 2025 at 4:03 PM
The game really broke up in the last 20 as Japan tired and rotated to a mostly inexperienced bench.
Ireland put them away, as you'd expect in those circumstances, but big, big issues remain.
Bank the win, but two massive games to follow
Ireland put them away, as you'd expect in those circumstances, but big, big issues remain.
Bank the win, but two massive games to follow
I wrote a piece about Movember and how I'm not a mental health advocate.
www.threeredkings.com/when-novembe...
www.threeredkings.com/when-novembe...
When November Ends – Three Red Kings
www.threeredkings.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:08 AM
I wrote a piece about Movember and how I'm not a mental health advocate.
www.threeredkings.com/when-novembe...
www.threeredkings.com/when-novembe...
Matt Williams rent is due, plainly
November 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Matt Williams rent is due, plainly
Reposted by Three Red Kings
The statement Beauden Barrett provided for Tadhg Beirne's disciplinary hearing.
"I take responsibility for entering contact in a high position, as that contributed to the nature of the collision."
Barrett praised Beirne for "good awareness" to prevent a more serious collision.
"I take responsibility for entering contact in a high position, as that contributed to the nature of the collision."
Barrett praised Beirne for "good awareness" to prevent a more serious collision.
November 6, 2025 at 11:11 AM
The statement Beauden Barrett provided for Tadhg Beirne's disciplinary hearing.
"I take responsibility for entering contact in a high position, as that contributed to the nature of the collision."
Barrett praised Beirne for "good awareness" to prevent a more serious collision.
"I take responsibility for entering contact in a high position, as that contributed to the nature of the collision."
Barrett praised Beirne for "good awareness" to prevent a more serious collision.
November 6, 2025 at 12:50 PM
SUPER DELUXE WALLY RATINGS #315 :: #IREvNZL
Their race isn't run, but this great Irish side needs a deep refresh to stay at the top of the test game.
Get access for €3 a month, or buy just this article for €10.
www.patreon.com/posts/142734...
Their race isn't run, but this great Irish side needs a deep refresh to stay at the top of the test game.
Get access for €3 a month, or buy just this article for €10.
www.patreon.com/posts/142734...
November 3, 2025 at 3:13 PM
SUPER DELUXE WALLY RATINGS #315 :: #IREvNZL
Their race isn't run, but this great Irish side needs a deep refresh to stay at the top of the test game.
Get access for €3 a month, or buy just this article for €10.
www.patreon.com/posts/142734...
Their race isn't run, but this great Irish side needs a deep refresh to stay at the top of the test game.
Get access for €3 a month, or buy just this article for €10.
www.patreon.com/posts/142734...
Watching late-era Johnny Sexton being reshaped into an irreplaceable, perfect rugby player who supposedly never made mistakes during games or had dud performances to explain poor Irish performances two full years after he retired is very funny, as copes go.
November 3, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Watching late-era Johnny Sexton being reshaped into an irreplaceable, perfect rugby player who supposedly never made mistakes during games or had dud performances to explain poor Irish performances two full years after he retired is very funny, as copes go.
Reposted by Three Red Kings
I've been trying to find what's been "wrong" with this Irish side over the last 18 months. Something factual I could point at. Some hard numbers.
And then, this week, I think I found them.
And then, this week, I think I found them.
THE GREEN EYE #280 :: #IREvNZL
It's Chicago. It's Ireland vs the All Blacks. And there's more at stake than meets the eye.
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It's Chicago. It's Ireland vs the All Blacks. And there's more at stake than meets the eye.
Get the most detailed preview for this game anywhere for just €3 a month.
www.patreon.com/posts/green-...
THE GREEN EYE #280 :: New Zealand | Three Red Kings
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October 31, 2025 at 2:09 PM
I've been trying to find what's been "wrong" with this Irish side over the last 18 months. Something factual I could point at. Some hard numbers.
And then, this week, I think I found them.
And then, this week, I think I found them.
This has been a great Irish side. And they have good performances left in them, but there will be more days like last night going forward in the short and medium term.
November 2, 2025 at 10:33 AM
This has been a great Irish side. And they have good performances left in them, but there will be more days like last night going forward in the short and medium term.
For me, anyone clinging to the #10 debate in November 2025 after that game is either hustling or delusional.
Lineout at 69%. Post contact metres flatlining. No consistency in the collisions. Once Furlong went off, we looked done.
There are far, far bigger issues at play.
Lineout at 69%. Post contact metres flatlining. No consistency in the collisions. Once Furlong went off, we looked done.
There are far, far bigger issues at play.
November 1, 2025 at 11:01 PM
For me, anyone clinging to the #10 debate in November 2025 after that game is either hustling or delusional.
Lineout at 69%. Post contact metres flatlining. No consistency in the collisions. Once Furlong went off, we looked done.
There are far, far bigger issues at play.
Lineout at 69%. Post contact metres flatlining. No consistency in the collisions. Once Furlong went off, we looked done.
There are far, far bigger issues at play.
Hate losing to that lot.
Issue for me is that the pack is in decline and we don't have physical game breakers to switch it up off the bench.
Issue for me is that the pack is in decline and we don't have physical game breakers to switch it up off the bench.
November 1, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Hate losing to that lot.
Issue for me is that the pack is in decline and we don't have physical game breakers to switch it up off the bench.
Issue for me is that the pack is in decline and we don't have physical game breakers to switch it up off the bench.
Reposted by Three Red Kings
“Argentina are the last remaining southern hemisphere juggernaut that the Irish province are still to beat, so there’s a vacant page in the history books ready to be written.”
www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/...
McMillan's Munster 'excited' for latest touring test
For the fifth time in five seasons, Munster are getting set to host a touring side, reigniting old rivalries of the amateur era.
www.rte.ie
November 1, 2025 at 8:18 AM
“Argentina are the last remaining southern hemisphere juggernaut that the Irish province are still to beat, so there’s a vacant page in the history books ready to be written.”
www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/...