# Breakdown
This year
2023
Eoin Toolan: All Blacks sacrificed defensive width to throw numbers into ruck - and it worked
Former Ireland performance analyst Eoin Toolan on how the All Blacks ended Ireland’s 17-game win streak to reach the semi-finals.
Ireland emerge with pride from brutal, brilliant breakdown battle with Boks
Andy Farrell’s side won seven turnovers at the breakdown but had lots of slow ball in attack.
Bealham's classy touch, Schmidt's classic loop, and Ireland's inspiration
Andy Farrell’s men scored a brilliant try off a goal-line drop-out against France.
Last year
2022
Explainer: Here's how (and why) sectors are being told to cut their emissions
There’s been push and pull within government over the limits, especially in relation to agriculture.
'Targeting' and ending contests early - POC pushes Ireland's LQB at the ruck
The breakdown battle will be as crucial as ever at Twickenham this weekend.
Breakdown woes of chief concern as Ireland look to learn from Paris pain
Struggles to ‘exit’ from their own 22 were also damaging for Andy Farrell’s side.
Tactics Board: Rashford and Greenwood fail to capitalise as Rangnick restores width
Man United came away with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup last night, but they were fortunate to do so.
All time
Tactics Board: Ruthless Ireland show extra attacking intent and blow minnows Georgia away
Shane Keegan looks at the senior women’s team’s record-breaking performance at Tallaght Stadium.
Paul O'Connell's influence continues to grow as Ireland's pack dominates
The former Munster and Ireland lock has made a big impact since joining in January.
Lowe's tackle, Ringrose and Conway's save, and Gibson-Park's rescues
Some of Ireland’s big defensive plays against the All Blacks will live long in the memory.
'I was as guilty as anyone - we need to refocus and actually referee what's in law'
Nigel Owens gives his view on World Rugby’s new global trial laws.
World Rugby will globally trial the 50:22 kick and new breakdown laws
The new laws could have a big impact on the shape and safety of the game.
Breakdown problems high on Ireland's agenda ahead of Georgia clash
England dominated in this area last weekend at Twickenham.
Beirne braced for breakdown battle in Paris with Barnes not ruled out as ref
Ireland and France both have strong jackal threats in their teams.
Ireland's pack of jackals well suited to the refocused breakdown interpretations
Andy Farrell was most pleased with his side’s defensive work in the big win over Italy.
Training with a sheep has jackal specialist CJ Stander in fine fettle
The Munster back row is heading into the restarted Six Nations in superb form.
Breakdown 'chaos', Leinster rust and looming semi-final on Sexton's mind after restart
The new law interpretations made reopening night a frustrating one for the Leinster captain.
What should we expect with the renewed focus on the breakdown laws?
Referees have been asked to police the existing laws more strictly.
Why numbers on jerseys matter less than ever as rugby progresses
The return of rugby in New Zealand underlined that Eddie Jones might have been ahead of the curve again.
Rugby actually enforcing the current breakdown laws is long overdue
World Rugby issued a ‘law application guideline’ for referees earlier this week.
World Rugby aims to stamp out side entry and players off feet at breakdown
The governing body wants referees to clamp down on side entry and players diving off their feet.
Most Irish coronavirus cases contracted in Ireland - new stats give full breakdown on Covid-19
Three children under the age of one have contracted the virus so far.
Every single county in Ireland now has at least one coronavirus case - here's a breakdown of where the virus is
Dublin has the highest numbers of cases with 402.
Analysis: Total accuracy at the breakdown is now almost impossible for referees
Eoin Toolan takes a look at some of the issues with the modern-day breakdown.
World Rugby forms working group to examine the state of the breakdown
Some of the game’s leading coaches, referees, and medical experts will be involved.
Analysis: Under-the-radar Josh van der Flier shows jackal class
The Ireland openside isn’t renowned as a jackal but has been working hard on his turnover skills.
Analysis: Aki and Copeland shine as gritty Connacht dig in for crucial turnovers
Andy Friend’s side made some vital breakdown steals in their victory over Montpellier.
Analysis: Van der Flier and tireless captain Best top Ireland's ruck charts
Joe Schmidt’s men were largely efficient with their clearouts and turned over lots of Scottish possession.
Messi and Klopp are the big men's winners at the Fifa awards, but who voted for whom?
Seamus Coleman picked Messi, Mick McCarthy recognised Klopp while Ronaldo voted for none of his direct rivals and then didn’t bother turning up.
The team that Joe built: Putting together a 2019 World Cup squad
We examine how Ireland’s head coach has developed a group of players to compete in Japan.
'Patients will suffer': Psychiatric nurses' overtime ban reinstated after pay talks break down
Fianna Fáil TD James Browne said the overtime ban will lead to service disruption and cancellations for patients.
Analysis: How Saracens took away Tadhg Beirne's jackal threat
The Munster lock was left frustrated in Coventry on Saturday.
US threw away 'golden opportunity' at Hanoi summit, North Korean official says
A nuclear summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, between Kim and Trump ended without agreement on 28 February.
€1.6 million on stewards and €76k on catering: How much the Pope's visit cost the taxpayer
As of 1 November, the OPW had spent €15,754,639.37 on the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland.
Analysis: Who did what for Ireland in the rucks against the All Blacks?
Devin Toner and captain Rory Best were, typically, the busiest players in this department.
Recoils, reactions and top shoulders - Leinster's breakdown lessons
Leo Cullen’s side will need to be much sharper when they take on the Scarlets this weekend.
Farm deaths: Cork most fatal county and July most dangerous month
Over the past eight years, the most dangerous months for farm deaths in Ireland have been May, June and July.
Where and when: Almost 10,000 assaults on HSE staff in past 10 years
Assaults on nursing staff made up the vast majority of these, accounting for 70% with 6,964 assaults.
Council by council: An extra 118,000 people have registered to vote ahead of tomorrow's referendum
More than 3.2 million people are now registered to vote in tomorrow’s referendum.
