Articles

Murray Kinsella Irish-based freelance sports journalist

About Murray Kinsella

Murray is a freelance sports journalist based in Ireland. He has a strong interest in the technical aspects of rugby and his league of preference is the Top 14 in France.

Murray Kinsella's latest articles

Mauls are back in Fashion

This week Murray takes look at the emergence of the maul as an attacking weapon for teams in general play.

The Chiefs - An innovative, unified rugby force

In his latest piece Murray Kinsella leaps hemispheres and puts the spot light on Super XV side The Chiefs. A team that in the last few seasons has set the benchmark for innovation and performance by melding rugby intellect with team unity and culture. Read on and as always please do join the discussion.

Ireland's attack audit

Murray Kinsella audits Joe Schmidt’s attack plans and structures to date in the RBS Six Nations. Identifying the strength and weakness that has defined their campaign to date.

There is a depth of analysis and game understanding that defines defines Murray’s writing. Read on and you will understand more, not only about strike moves and attacking strategy, but also gain a greater appreciation and respect for world class defence.

Enjoy this world class rugby scribe and as always, please do join the discussion.

The keys to Ireland’s victory

In his latest piece, Murray Kinsella examines several of the key factors that went into ensuring Joe Schmidt’s side enjoyed a dominant victory over Stuart Lancaster’s men. Enjoy this unique depth of analysis and as always please do feel free to join the discussion…

Jonathan Joseph - The difference maker

As this weekends RBS 6 Nations match between Ireland and England draws ever closer, Murray Kinsella puts the spotlight on Jonathan Joseph. Profiling the Bath and English centre’s outstanding 6 Nations campaign so far. Joseph has added the crucial X-factor that England had largely been missing. He’s a talented player in top form, who will again this weekend be looking to make a game defining difference.

The real Irish breakdown

There is no area of the game more influential in the outcome than the battle at the breakdown. In his latest article Murray Kinsella has done the hard yards. Studying and noting every single action by the Irish players at the breakdown and ruck against Italy, both in attack and defence. A stunning piece that provides the point of difference knowledge and understanding for coaches and players globally that we take pride in delivering to you, our valued members.

Enjoy and join the discussion.

THE SIX NATIONS - the greatest rugby championship in the world!

In Murray’s latest article, he looks at some key technical, refereeing and tactical elements he’ll be keeping a close eye on during the 2015 Six Nations – the role of the Jackal, defending the maul, staying onside, evolving kicking game, and how to create tries!

Defence defines a teams true character

Murray Kinsella reviews Racing Métro’s emergence as top contenders in the Champions Cup. Head coaching duo Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers clearly deserve a great deal of credit for the work they are doing but in this piece the focus is on Ronan O’Gara, their defensive coach. The numbers speak for themselves, Racing Métro conceded the fewest points of any club across the pool stages with a mere 69. Forget the snide remarks referencing O’Gara’s defensive reputation as a player, he’s making a real difference as a coach, Kinsella shows you how.

Munster V Saracens Champions Cup preview

Murray Kinsella profiles Munster’s crucial Champions Cup clash with Saracens this Saturday. Some of Munster’s biggest wins this season have been built on gameplans that featured a very narrow attacking focus – think Leinster home and away, as well as Saracens at Thomond Park. But it goes without saying that Munster’s emotional intensity will need to be at memorable levels if they are to win in Allianz Park.

Scrums, Props and Referees

As we look forward to the return fixtures in this weekends European Rugby Champions Cup, Murray Kinsella focusses his torch on the dark art of front row play.

Dissecting referee Wayne Barne’s interpretation last week of Munster tight head BJ Botha’s battle with Clermont loose head Thomas Domingo and profiling the challenge Nigel Owen will have this weekend to interpret and manage this most intense and influential aspect of play.

No pressure Nigel!