Why did Ireland lose to Scotland? Did Scotland deserve to win? What interesting numbers did the Super Rugby weekend throw up? Answers, video, and ramblings of front row forwards ahead.

Fat Club – A Group With Gravitas by Dan Palmer

Who says props can’t write? The Brumbies tighthead explains why front rowers are superior to pesky backs.

So Long, Little Man by David Flatman

Another piece about Lee Mears, this time from his former Bath teammate and fellow front ranker.

Philippe Saint-Andre Lost The Plot by Brian Moore

The former England hooker agrees that the French substitutions were critical mistakes, and wonders if rugby is losing some of its ethos in the “inevitable accoutrement of professionalism.” He might be on to something.

The Unique Luke Watson by Tom Hamilton

A conversation with one of South Africa’s most polarizing rugby personalities about his latest venture into Super Rugby as captain of the Southern Kings.

Gary Armstrong, Scrumhalf Supreme by Aidan Smith

A little bit of nostalgia featuring one of Scotland’s greatest ever halfbacks.

The Solution To Football Withdrawal Is Rugby Sevens by Dave Shireley

An introductory guide to sevens rugby for Americans, by an American. You wonder why it needs to be so dumbed down for the intended audience, and then you scroll down to the comments. It’s an honest struggle here in North America.

We Didn’t Get The Rub Of The Green by Gerry Thornley

The Irish columnist thinks his side were unlucky, and questions Jamie Heaslip’s captaincy.

Scots Won On Back Foot, But Deservedly by Allan Massie

Meanwhile in Scotland everyone is still drunk with delight as their side have developed a new rugby style – “winning rugby without the ball.” A vote of confidence for Scott Johnson and Dean Ryan, and more questions about Heaslip.

Saint-Andre Downbeat After Twickenham Loss by Tom Leese

No article here, just a short video of poor Philippe near in tears after defeat to England.

Running Rugby Returns by Tracey Nelson

In case you missed it, Super Rugby is back in full force, and some of the rugby has been exhilarating. The numbers tell the story about the New Zealand derbies, matches full of speed and skill that we can only dream of here in the north.

Most Entertaining Three Minutes Of Rugby Ever by Tim Nanai-Williams

Just in case you don’t believe the numbers, believe your eyes.