Episode 14: Eve-nt Horizon

Ireland may be two from two with Eve Higgins at the heart of the action, but there’s a gravitational pull towards a Black Ferns vortex of danger. In this week’s MudderRucker, Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Chloe Pearse and Christy Haney to dissect the five-try win over Spain that somehow still felt nervy. We break down scrum dominance, shaky set-piece calls, and defensive breakdowns — plus the all-important tempo stat that’s turning out to be the only one that matters this World Cup. Christy brings serious prop insight (and no patience for bad calls), Chloe unpacks the pressure of defending with width, and we preview the clash with the Black Ferns at a sold-out Amex. Also featuring: line-speed mysteries, midfield mayhem, and the growing mystery of Ireland’s missing jackal threat. 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @mudderruckerpodcast 🌐 Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social Ailbhe: @irishwomens.bsky.social Cian: @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ More episodes & highlights: youtube.com/@MudderRucker Like, subscribe, and tell us which moment made you shout at the screen. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:26 Chloe Pearse's Championship Win and Boat Adventure 01:45 Christy's Journey to Irish Rugby 03:41 Structural Engineering and Rugby: A Unique Connection 04:54 World Cup Hamstring Injury and Team Support 06:23 Round Two of the World Cup: France vs. Brazil 12:05 South Africa's Upset Against Italy 18:51 Ireland's Performance and Defensive Struggles 23:18 The Importance of Linda in the Squad 24:24 Analyzing the Game Against Spain 25:40 Controversial Moments in the Match 29:50 Standout Players and Performances 33:41 Injury Concerns and Future Matches 39:33 Fun and Games: Lucky Dip Questions 42:51 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead