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The Left Wing

The Left Wing

622 episodes — Page 3 of 13

Should Sam Prendergast be dropped? | Bob Skinstad on how Bulls can target Leinster

Will and Luke get the view from South Africa from former Springbok Bob Skinstad ahead of the URC final while Cian Tracey checks in from Portugal as Andy Farrell's Lions squad begin their preparations. Leinster's showdown with the Bulls, whether Sam Prendergast should start on Saturday and what Bulls coach Jake White might be planning are all on the menu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 20251h 3m

Leinster's bad vibes, Munster's heartbreak & the return of Stuart Lancaster

Will and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster legend Reggie Corrigan to discuss a dramatic URC quarter-final weekend and Stuart Lancaster's return to Irish rugby. Luke and Reggie look back on their brief crossover at Leinster during the Michael Cheika era before talk turns to the pressure Leo Cullen's side are under ahead of next weekend's semi-final against Glasgow. Munster's contentious penalty shootout defeat to the Sharks and the huge boost Connacht received with the Stuart Lancaster announcement is up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 3, 20251h 1m

The magic of the Champions Cup final - and why a Club World Cup would kill it

Jonathan Bradley joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald for another round-up of the week's rugby talking points - led off by the Champions Cup final ... and where the tournament's future lies with the upcoming Club World Cup. The team also break down this weekend's URC quarter-final match-upsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27, 202556 min

The problem with Thursday night 6 Nations, Leinster's URC concern & end of Sevens

Cian Tracey joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald as the URC season nears its playoffs, where the pressure will be on Leinster to end their trophy drought while Munster face a tough journey to Durban. Meanwhile, the team also break down the changes to the Six Nations schedule, including putting Ireland v France on a Thursday night, and the news that the IRFU have cut the men’s Sevens programmeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 202554 min

Irish rugby's lost year, undercooked Leinster and Lions intrigue

Jonathan Bradley joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald to spin through some of Irish rugby's major talking points in a season that is starting to feel a little lost for a lot of provinces - with Ulster's financial woes and Leinster's inconsistent selection strategy on the chopping block.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13, 20251h 4m

Leinster fail again, the Jordie Barrett blunder and Sam Prendergast's defence

A result so shocking, Will had to cancel (some of) his holiday to break it down. On this week's Left Wing, Cian Tracey, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery convene for yet another review of a Leinster collapse in Europe - and between Sam Prendergast's defence, the South African mindset and Leo Cullen's future, there is much to discussSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 6, 20251h 3m

Andy Farrell's 'green' Lions, the Owen Farrell dilemma and bleak URC weekend

Will Kelleher, The Times Deputy Rugby Correspondent and co-host of The Ruck Podcast, joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald to give the English view on Andy Farrell's Lions preparation. The team also preview a Champions Cup weekend that sees Leinster and Northampton lock horns, and reflect on a URC round where all Irish provinces lost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 29, 202557 min

Leinster's Galactico policy | Sexton's coaching risk | Munster's referee blunder

Cian Tracey joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery in a Left Wing packed with talking points - including how the greening of the Lions Tour may actually be Andy Farrell's dry run at the World Cup. The team also break down Johnny Sexton's new role and whether he has put some noses out of joint, Leinster's new transfer policy, and Cian gives his views on the controversy around Munster's defeatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 22, 20251h 6m

Are Leinster better than Ireland? | Munster malfunction | Rugby's diving problem

Will Slattery is joined by Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey to reflect on another Leinster annihilation, Munster's Champions Cup exit and Connacht's Challenge Cup disaster. The panel debate Glasgow coach Franco Smith's comments about whether Leinster are better than Ireland given the involvement of Jacques Nienaber, RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett. Bordeaux's Champions Cup credentials, Owen Farrell's Connacht cameo and the increasing number of dives in rugby are on the menu too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 15, 202559 min

Munster's famous day, Craig Casey's Lions case and Leinster's statement

Will Slattery's good vibes from his visit to La Rochelle carry through to this week's Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley. The team break down Munster's famous win, how Ulster's loss was a strange day from start to finish and where Leinster stand after their 62-0 victory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 8, 20251h 4m

Jack Crowley on facing ROG, his future and Munster's La Rochelle battle

Will Slattery is joined by Munster out-half Jack Crowley ahead of this weekend's blockbuster Champions Cup showdown against La Rochelle. Jack's contract negotiations, Munster's chances going into the away trip and ROG's recent comments about his form are all on the menu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 3, 202515 min

ROG's biggest challenge, Frawley's fall and Munster's French opportunity

Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley team up ahead of a seismic Champions Cup weekend which sees Leinster call Croke Park home and Munster play in a 'monster clash' against La Rochelle. The team break down the Irish provinces' chances in Europe this weekend - and why La Rochelle's form may be a great chance for Munster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 1, 202559 min

Player management madness, Gavin Coombes' special skill and provinces back with a bang

Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley to discuss a wild weekend of URC action that saw all four provinces involved in dramatic encounters. Jack Crowley's minutes, Gavin Coombes' ability to score tries and the malaise at Ulster and Connacht are all on the menu Will and Luke finish off by looking ahead to the announcement of Andy Farrell's Lions assistant coaches. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 25, 20251h 4m

Ireland's weak finish, importance of summer tour and Lions talk begins

The Six Nations is over and has left Ireland - and its potential Lions - with questions to answer ahead of the return to club action. Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald give their final reviews of the Six Nations and where Ireland go from hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 18, 202552 min

'The attack was worryingly flat' | Reaction from Rome | Ireland 22 Italy 17

Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey deliver their verdict from the Stadio Olimpico as Ireland end the Six Nations with a hard-fought victory. Rugby on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 202528 min

Are Ireland too reliant on the schools rugby production line?

Will is joined by Bernard Jackman for an extra episode of The Left Wing to discuss the place the schools game has in the Irish rugby production line and to look ahead to the cup finals on St Patrick's Day. Bernard offers ideas for how Irish rugby can broaden its playing base to supplement the schools game while he also compares the Irish system at that level with the international schools scene. Finally, he gives his verdict on the Leinster senior cup final between Terenure and Blackrock, which will take place at Tallaght Stadium on Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 13, 202536 min

Where do Ireland go from here? | More discipline problems | France front up

Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley run the rule over a crushing defeat for Ireland, where France's superior discipline counted. The team also break down the use of Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley across the Six Nations, and discuss Fabien Galthie's comments after Antoine Dupont's injury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 11, 20251h 4m

Rampant France power past Ireland | Post-match reaction | ☘️ 27-42 🇫🇷

Sinead Kissane, Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey convene at The Aviva Stadium after France emphatically ended Ireland's Grand Slam aspirations with a dominant display in Dublin. Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is in association with Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 8, 202537 min

Ireland's bench call | Pressure on France | The problem with 7/1

Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by Jonathan Bradley as we build up to the Six Nations-defining clash between Ireland and France this Saturday. Sam Prendergast’s tackling, the impact of the bench split and the question-mark over Cian Healy’s involvement are all on the menu this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 4, 202558 min

Ireland's resilience | Red card farce | Porter's scrum problem

We're ahead of the game this week as Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Rúaidhrí O'Connor bring you this week's Left Wing on a Monday where the rugby world is still analysing an Irish win that raised many questions of Simon Easterby's men. The team debate why Jack Crowley isn't getting a look in, Andrew Porter's scrum style, and the power game in world rugby that led to the current red card rules. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 24, 20251h 5m

Instant Reaction: Ireland 'got out of jail' as they leave Wales with Triple Crown in hand

Ireland are Triple Crown champions after a nervy victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium. Sinéad Kissane, Cian Tracey and Rúaidhrí O'Connor break down the game after the final whistle in Cardiff. Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is in association with Energia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 202526 min

Simon Easterby's future | Should Ireland rotate? | Warren Gatland's demise

We are days away from Ireland's journey to Cardiff as the Six Nations continues against a Wales team that have been through a tumultuous time. Will and Luke break down what we can expect from the game, ask what may come next for Simon Easterby, and the team give their thoughts on how the Ireland team should be selected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 202557 min

Ireland's Six Nations statement, Sam Prendergast's defence and France blow up

Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley to reflect on Ireland's dominant win over Scotland that saw them take control of the Six Nations title race. Jonathan lauds the effort of the Ireland forwards while Luke thinks that Robbie Henshaw was fortunate to avoid a yellow card in a crucial period of the game. Luke also assesses Sam Prendergast's performance and points to his defence as one area to improve. France's wasteful defeat against England at Twickenham and another dark day for Welsh rugby are on the menu too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 10, 20251h 7m

Scots dismantled by dominant Ireland display — Post-match reaction — Scotland 18-32 Ireland

Sinead Kissane, Cian Tracey & Ruaidhri O'Connor convene at Murrayfield after Ireland etched an emphatic win in Edinburgh, and another bonus point in what could prove a pivotal weekend in the race for Six Nations supremacy. Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is in association with Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 9, 202532 min

Ireland's room to improve, Prendergast vs Crowley and Scotland selection

Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Cian Tracey discuss all the major talking points after Ireland's opening Six Nations win over England. Cian and Will feel that Ireland's performance was a major improvement from November but Luke still thinks Simon Easterby's side have plenty to work on ahead of Sunday's trip to face Scotland. Ireland's bench impact, the Sam Prendergast vs Jack Crowley debate and England's game plan are all on the agenda too. The panel then finishes up by looking at what changes might be made to the team for the clash at Murrayfield.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 4, 202558 min

Second-half salvo steers Ireland past England — Post-match reaction — Ireland 27-22 England

Sinead Kissane is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey at the Aviva Stadium after Ireland turned the tide to topple England in their Six Nations opener. Rugby coverage on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 1, 202533 min

Ireland's style vs Leinster's identity and Six Nations selection dilemmas

Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Ireland's training camp in Portugal to preview the Six Nations championship and Saturday's game against England. The divergence in style between Leinster and Ireland is up for discussion while the lads also break down the selection dilemmas facing Simon Easterby ahead of the opening game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 28, 20251h 5m

Garry Ringrose the winger, Jack Crowley bounces back and the Six Nations looms large

Rúaidhrí O'Connor was on the phone from Rome in this week's episode of the Left Wing as he checked in from the Six Nations launch event in the Italian capital. This week, Will, Luke and Rúaidhrí break down Leinster's path to the Champions Cup final after their win over Bath, discuss their backline selection dilemmas, and ask if Garry Ringrose is the right fit on the wing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 21, 202553 min

Leinster's ferocious defence, game management issues and Munster's comeback

Luke and Will are joined by Jonathan Bradley of BBC Northern Ireland to break down a thrilling weekend of Champions Cup action. The panel start by looking back on Leinster's dramatic win in La Rochelle, before moving on to Munster's vital victory over Saracens at Thomond Park. Ulster's collapse against Leicester and Connacht's Challenge Cup ambitions are up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 14, 20251h 8m

Champions Cup blockbusters, Tom O'Toole's harsh ban and rugby's new rules

Luke Fitzgerald and BBC Sport's Jonathan Bradley join Will Slattery as the Irish provinces gear up for this weekend's European action. The team break down Leinster's daunting journey to La Rochelle, why Saracens may be able to get past Munster, and take a look at Ulster and Connacht's clashes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 7, 20251h 8m

Leinster's defence, Harry Byrne's move and Ulster's timely win

The festive Interpro action is all on the menu for Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald for the final Left Wing of 2024. The team give their verdicts on Munster's Jack Crowley decision, Leinster's defence ahead of the Champions Cup, and on a surprisingly strong performance for Ulster in their victory over Connacht. We'd like to wish all out listeners a Happy New Year!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 31, 202456 min

Lineout disaster, Munster mauled and RG Snyman restrictions

Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by Cian Tracey, who has returned from Munster’s defeat in Castres with stories of off-field treats and on-field disappointment for the Irish province. The team break down the changing fortunes of Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast, talk through the work Munster have left to do in the Champions Cup, and how the lineout issues in Leinster are jarring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 17, 20241h 9m

How Jordie Barrett changes Leinster’s back line | Munster’s chance in France

Luke Fitzgerald joins Will Slattery after the opening weekend of Champions Cup action where the performances of RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett put a spanner in the works of Leinster’s team selection process going forward, where Will believes the team’s use of a ‘bomb squad’ may not be so wise. Meanwhile, the lads break down Ulster’s chances ahead of their home game to Bordeaux, and react to the news that Mike Prendergast has applied for the Munster jobSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 10, 202455 min

Ireland's issues, lineout struggles and Champions Cup preview

Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by Jonathan Bradley of BBC NI to give the full review of Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series. The team break down why Ireland looked ‘clunky’ and how the lack of lineout specialists hurt them. The team also weigh in on how Andy Farrell has managed Ireland’s 10s - with an eye for who will start for the provinces in the Champions Cup this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 3, 20241h 7m

Instant Reaction: Gus McCarthy gets it done but Ireland need work before Six Nations

Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinead Kissane in the Aviva Stadium to break down Ireland’s final Autumn Series game, a late victory against Joe Schmidt’s Australia. Coverage of the Autumn Series on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 30, 202428 min

Eoin Toolan Interview | Life inside Joe Schmidt’s Australia camp

Wallabies Head of Analysis & Skills Coach Eoin Toolan joins Will to give his insights into life as a coach in the Australia set-up, including how he deals with the analytical nature of Joe Schmidt, dealing with the burdens of getting messages to the field, and the challenge of attracting Aussie talent to rugby union.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 28, 202420 min

Ireland’s good vibes, red card controversy and Joe Schmidt returns

Cian Tracey, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery assemble after an Ireland performance that has the world putting Sam Prendergast under the microscope ahead of Australia’s visit. The team ask what Leinster’s 10 pecking order should be, break down what threat Joe Schmidt’s might pose … and some memories of training with Cian Healy come flooding back for Luke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 26, 20241h 1m

Ireland dispel Fiji threat with emphatic eight-try display — Post-match reaction — Ireland 52-17 Fiji

Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey join Sinead Kissane to debrief events at The Aviva Stadium after Ireland racked up eight tries in a convincing victory over Fiji.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 23, 202440 min

Ireland's discipline problem, Sam Prendergast hype and the second-half slump

Managing 10s, finding room for green shoots and dealing with Fijian threats are all on the menu this week as Mike Sherry joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald to break down where Ireland sit after a scoreless second half overshadowed their victory over Argentina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 19, 202448 min

Scoreless second half for Ireland as they just hold off Argentina | Instant reaction

Sinéad Kissane is joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor & Cian Tracey at the Aviva Stadium after Ireland managed to hold on and secure victory over a resilient Pumas. Coverage of the Autumn Series on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 16, 202431 min

Tetchy Andy Farrell, red card madness and are Ireland in a slump?

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery pick through where everything went wrong for Ireland against New Zealand. Luke thinks it was a one-off bad performance while Cian and Will wonder whether there are signs of a potential November slump to come. Andy Farrell's tetchy press conference, the 20-minute red card and Australia's dramatic win over England are all up for discussion too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 20241h 14m

All Blacks triumph as Ireland fail to fire — Post-match reaction — Ireland 13-23 New Zealand

Sinead Kissane is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey at the Aviva Stadium after Ireland's 19-game home winning run came to an end at the hands of the All Blacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 9, 202428 min

November questions, Ireland's depth and All Blacks preview with Kieran Read

Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by All Blacks legend Kieran Read to preview Ireland vs New Zealand on the latest Left Wing podcast. Luke and Will kick things off by looking ahead to Ireland's four-match November campaign and what impact Andy Farrell's departure for the Lions after November might have on his decisions. Double World Cup winner Read then joins the show to give his perspective on where the All Blacks are at under their new coach Scott Robertson. Ireland's team selection, the out-half battle and big-match predictions are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 5, 20241h 7m

Could Graham Rowntree’s departure send Munster into crisis mode? Reaction w/ Mike Sherry

Will Slattery is back from his travels to join Sinéad Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald on the Left Wing - and what a week to return. Former Munster hooker Mike Sherry joined the programme as the team give their reaction to the shock announcement that Graham Rowntree has parted ways with Munster by mutual agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 29, 202453 min

Reacting to Leo Cullen’s new contract | Ireland need to blood the young guns

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and Cian Tracey joined Luke Fitzgerald ahead of the Ireland squad announcement, where the team ask if Andy Farrell will use the four-game Autumn series to rotate new talent.The team also discuss Munster’s lineout issues, Jack Crowley's kicking and we react to Leinster extending Leo Cullen’s stay as head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 22, 202456 min

Fire lit under Ciarán Frawley as Leinster beat Munster in sell-out

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joined Luke Fitzgerald to rebuff claims that the Leinster/Munster rivalry is dead, break down where the 10 situation is at, and ask if now would have been a good time for Leinster to travel to South Africa in the URC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 15, 202454 min

RG Snyman the ‘poster boy’ for a Leinster/Munster rivalry back up and running

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and David Kelly joined Luke Fitzgerald to preview this weekend’s pair of Interpro derbies, with Munster set to travel to a boisterous Croke Park on Saturday. The team give their verdicts for both games, discuss whether emotion can benefit Munster in GAA HQ, and ask what impact RG Snyman will have.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 8, 20241h 2m

The Paul O’Connell interview - Introducing Indo Sport

We want to introduce Indo Daily listeners to our brand-new sister podcast, Indo Sport. It’s free, it’s daily Monday to Friday and features the best sporting analysis from across the country, with veteran sports broadcaster Joe Molloy at the helm. In this episode Joe sits down with Irish rugby legend Paul O'Connell for an in-depth discussion. From fishing, changing room speeches and coaching in the modern era, and how does O'Connell look back on his career? Subscribe to Indo Sport, wherever you get your podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 5, 20241h 11m

Ireland's win over Black Ferns can be a ‘catalyst’ - and so can Munster’s loss

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and David Kelly joined Luke Fitzgerald in the aftermath of a historic victory by the Irish women over New Zealand in the WXV series in Canada. The team also debate the wisdom of players going to places like France to further their career, talk about Johnny Sexton’s new book, and ask if Munster can bounce back from a damaging defeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 1, 202452 min

Ireland on top of the world as ‘sloppy’ Munster win interpro thriller

On this episode of the Left Wing, Rúaidhrí O’Connor joined Luke Fitzgerald to break down the first week of URC action, and ask if Leinster are using their resources correctly at this stage of the season. Also: what to like about Munster and Connacht after early-doors thriller; is the Emerging Ireland tour fit for purpose; South Africa drop to put Ireland on top of the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 202450 min