The Left Wing

It was raucous and physical but Ireland are on top of the rugby world after a pulsating 19-16 victory over the world champions, South Africa. For this special episode of the Left Wing podcast, right after the full-time whistle from the Aviva Stadium, Sinéad Kissane is joined by Irish Independent rugby writers, Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey to look back on an incredible game. Plus, Will and Luke will have their in-depth analysis on Wednesday and if you want to get in touch with the show, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or tweet Will and Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ireland team to face South Africa has been named with Conor Murray set to win his 100th cap and Sinéad Kissane is joined by the Irish Independent’s Rúaidhrí O’Connor to dissect the starting XV and discuss Ireland’s chances. Murray reaches the historic milestone with Jamison Gibson-Park on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Ulster’s Robert Baloucoune has been given an opportunity to stake his claim for a World Cup place starting along with nine others in facing South Africa for the first time. The Ireland team and bench is: H Keenan; R Baloucoune, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, M Hansen; J Sexton (capt), J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; T Beirne, J Ryan; P O’Mahony, J van der Flier, C Doris. Reps: R Herring, C Healy, F Bealham, K Treadwell, J Conan, J Gibson-Park, J Carbery, S McCloskey. Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian Tracey will be back on Saturday after the final whistle with a post-match Left Wing show from the Aviva Stadium analysing Ireland v South Africa so make sure to listen in then. Meanwhile, Will and Luke will have their usual in-depth analysis on the Left Wing on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Springbok legend Bryan Habana joins Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey on the latest Left Wing podcast to look ahead to Ireland vs South Africa. Bryan joins Will and Luke first to discuss the Springbok team announcement and their formidable bench 'bomb squad'. Bryan thinks South Africa have an edge at second row and that could be the deciding factor in a Springbok win. Cian then joins the lads to give the view from the Ireland camp, after Johnny Sexton addressed the media today. Cian thinks Ireland could prevail narrowly while Luke thinks South Africa's power could be the difference. If you want to get in touch with the show, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or tweet Will and Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to look ahead to the Autumn internationals and discuss Leinster's win over Munster. Will kicks things off by asking Rud and Luke what a successful November would look like for Andy Farrell - are results the most important thing or should the Ireland head coach look to blood new players? The age-old question of how many games Johnny Sexton should play is up for discussion too, as is the pecking order at scrum-half. The chat then moves on to Leinster's win over Munster, with Luke bemused by the view that there were many positives for Graham Rowntree to take from the game. Would Munster benefit from a rebuilding season in the Challenge Cup? Rud thinks it wouldn't be the worst option. If you want to get in touch with the show, you can email your questions and comments to [email protected], or tweet Will or Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald look ahead to Ireland's November series with Cian Tracey. Andy Farrell has some injury headaches as he prepares to name his squad for the autumn, especially at second row and the back three where a number of star players are unavailable. The lads discuss which players are primed for a big month with Ireland and also assess where Munster are at after a much-improved performance against the Bulls. Chris Foy in the UK then joins Luke and Will to discuss the financial chaos in the English Premiership, with both Worcester and Wasps falling into administration. If you want to get in touch with the show, you can email your questions and comments to [email protected], or tweet Will and Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to discuss all the latest rugby news. With the South African sides hitting the ground running and plenty of storylines involving the Irish teams, the lads are in agreement that the URC is a far stronger product than the previous PRO14. Leinster were given a mighty test by the Sharks in the RDS and Luke thinks Leo Cullen's side will greatly benefit from such a tough challenge. For Munster, it was yet another defeat and Rud thinks they will struggle to qualify for the Champions Cup with the increased competition in the URC. Jack Carty's season debut and the fallout from the Emerging Ireland tour are up for discussion too. If you want to get in touch with the show, you can email your questions and comments to [email protected], or tweet Will and Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to discuss all the latest rugby news. The chat kicks off with Leinster's win over Ulster, with Luke and Cian in agreement that the difference in forward power was key. Connacht host Munster on Friday night in a must-win game for both teams - Luke thinks the new Munster coaching staff need time to implement their framework but they also need to pick up points fast. The Emerging Ireland tour kicked off with a very one-sided win over the Griquas - is it pointless for the Irish youngsters to be playing such weak opposition? If you want to get in touch with the show, you can email your questions and comments to [email protected], or tweet Will or Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to discuss all the latest rugby news. They kick things off by discussing Stuart Lancaster's end-of-season departure from Leinster to Racing 92. Luke says it is important that Leinster hire the right personality who meshes with the club's values, while Rud thinks Johnny Sexton could possibly join the coaching staff after he retires. The chat then moves on to Munster's disappointing defeat to the Dragons last weekend, with the senior players turning in a very poor performance Bundee Aki's red card and Ulster's blockbuster clash with Leinster on Friday are up for discussion too. If you want to get in touch with the show, you can email your questions and comments to [email protected], or tweet Will or Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to discuss the first round of the URC and the Emerging Ireland squad. Will kicks things off by asking Cian and Luke whether Stuart McCloskey deserves to have more than six Ireland caps after the Ulster centre continued his stellar club form into this season. The chat then turns to the Emerging Ireland tour once again now that the squad has been named - while Cian is still in favour of it, Will and Luke are sceptical about its merits. Munster's continued evolution under their new coaching staff, Leinster's sloppy start to the season and Mathieu Raynal's very controversial time-wasting call against Australia are all up for discussion too. If you want to get in touch with the show, you can email a question to [email protected], or tweet Will or Luke at @slatterywill and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Left Wing is back for another season and Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to look ahead to what promises to be a massive year for Irish rugby. The lads kick off with a discussion on the URC launch, where the topic of possibly playing games in Qatar was raised - and Luke and Rud have different views on the subject. The chat then turns to the upcoming 'Emerging Ireland' tour, which the provinces aren't happy about. Should players be taken out of their province during the season for this exercise? Munster's new beginning under Graham Rowntree, Leinster's out-half conundrum and Jacob Stockdale's comeback are all up for discussion too. Luke, Will and the show want to hear from you as well so put your rugby questions to them on social media using #theleftwing or on Twitter @lukefitz11 @slatterywill and each week Will will answer the best ones on-air. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the final Left Wing podcast of the season, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to reflect on Ireland's historic series win in New Zealand. Ireland's composure and style of play impressed the lads the most and Josh van der Flier stood out as the key man amid a huge number of heroic performers. With Andy Farrell's contract set to run until the 2023 World Cup, should the IRFU move now to offer him a new contract? Luke and Rud go over areas where Ireland can improve to ensure next season is one to remember, while they agree that a few players need regular game time to maximise their talent. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not content with making history last week, this Ireland team cemented themselves in further glory with a series win over New Zealand, beating the All Blacks 32-22 in the third test. For this Left Wing Live podcast, Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane and Rúaidhrí O’Connor live from Wellington with post-match reaction on a famous, famous victory. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by the Irish Independent’s Cian Tracey and Sky New Zealand’s Ross Karl to discuss all the latest news from New Zealand. Will and Luke kick things off with Cian by discussing the performance against the New Zealand Maori, with Kieran Treadwell, Gavin Coombes and Ciaran Frawley standing out. The lads discuss Frawley's future at club level, and whether Leinster will play him more at out-half following his strong display for Ireland. Jaco Peyper's performance is up for discussion too, with everyone in agreement that New Zealand were fortunate to not receive more than one red card. Ross Karl then joins the show, and says that he thinks Ireland will win in Wellington on Saturday and complete a famous series win. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History has been made. Ireland have finally beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand after a wild second test that saw them win 23-12 in Dunedin. Sinéad Kissane is joined by the Irish Independent’s Rúaidhrí O’Connor and live from Dunedin by Cian Tracey who describes the jubilant scenes at the stadium. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey and Liam Napier of the New Zealand Herald to discuss all the latest news from the Ireland tour. The lads kick off by discussing whether Johnny Sexton should start against the All Blacks in the second test or should Joey Carbery get the nod with a view to the 2023 World Cup? The chat moves onto reasons to be positive ahead of the game in Dunedin, and areas where Ireland could improve and trouble the All Blacks. Liam Napier then joins Luke and Will to give the view from New Zealand, and says that although the All Blacks played well in the first test, they won't be complacent ahead of this weekend. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland have lost their first test of the tour of New Zealand. Andy Farrell's team were beaten 42-19 by the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland. The home team scored six tries with Keith Earls and Bundee Aki scoring tries for Ireland while Johnny Sexton could be ruled out of the second test after failing a HIA. Irish Independent rugby correspondent Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey - who's in Auckland - joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing Live to discuss the game. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey and Ross Karl from Sky New Zealand to discuss an eventful week for the Ireland team. Cian joins the show from Auckland after returning from Ireland's heavy defeat to the New Zealand Maori. Both Cian and Luke are disappointed that more youngsters didn't raise their hand for test-match selection, while they are in agreement that the circumstances around Jeremy Loughman's HIA didn't look good for the sport. The lads discuss Ireland's injury issues ahead of the first test before Ross joined the show to give the view from New Zealand, where he says pressure is coming on the All Blacks to deliver a vintage performance. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald look ahead to Ireland's tour of New Zealand with the Irish Independent’s Cian Tracey on this week’s Left Wing podcast. Three tests against the All Blacks and two games against the New Zealand Maori are on the schedule in what promises to be a riveting few weeks. Can Ireland win a game on New Zealand soil for the first time ever? The lads are in agreement that it is far from a vintage All Blacks team but there are still areas of concern for Ireland. Cian and Luke think a test win is possible, but that the home team should be too strong overall. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to discuss Andy Farrell's Ireland squad and the URC semi-finals. The Ireland head coach has selected 40 players to travel to New Zealand for what is set to be an exciting and challenging five-match tour - the lads discuss the players who were unlucky to miss out, lucky to be picked and all the other squad talking points. The chat then moves on to the URC semi-finals, with both Leinster and Ulster beaten by South Africans sides. Were Leinster overconfident? Do Ulster need more tight five reinforcements? There is plenty of food for thought as the Irish provinces end the season empty handed. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald look back at Ulster's win over Munster and are joined by AP Cronje to look ahead to the URC semi-finals. It is the end of the Johann van Graan era at Thomond Park - but how should we judge the South African's time at Munster? Luke isn't convinced that he achieved a whole lot during his five seasons in charge and thinks that Graham Rowntree is well placed to shake things up in Limerick. Luke was also very impressed with Ulster's win over Munster and thinks they can upset the Stormers in South Africa in the semi-final. AP joins the lads to give the low down on how the Bulls and Stormers are shaping up for the final four, while he also gives an insight into the challenges in travelling down to South Africa on short notice to play. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on the Champions Cup final. Why did Leinster lose to La Rochelle? Poor execution, a top-class performance from the French side and a weak bench impact are some of the reasons put forward by the lads. While Leinster will have to wait another 12 months to end their Champions Cup drought, it was a coaching masterclass from Ronan O'Gara as he won a third Champions Cup medal after claiming two as a player. The lads also discuss O'Gara's achievement, Leinster's decision to kick multiple penalties and whether the latest defeat will leave lasting scars. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald look ahead to the Champions Cup final. It is Leinster vs La Rochelle and Johnny Sexton vs Ronan O'Gara as Marseille hosts the European decider this weekend. Will asks Luke what it's like to prepare for a Champions Cup final and how it differs from other big games, while Luke also compares how Michael Cheika and Joe Schmidt prepared Leinster for final appearances. The lads discuss the areas where La Rochelle might target Leinster, as well as where the eastern province can hurt the French side. Can Leinster add a fifth star to their jersey? Luke thinks they are strong enough to get the job done. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on the Champions Cup semi-final weekend. Leinster are into the final for the first time since 2019 after a very impressive demolition of Toulouse - and Ronan O'Gara is waiting for them after his La Rochelle side saw off Racing 92. Luke was extremely impressed with the pace that Leinster played at and explains the difficulties that it causes for a defence. Cian urges a note of caution around the scrum, after Leinster conceded nine penalties over the quarter-final and semi-final. Ronan O'Gara's achievements at La Rochelle, James Lowe's run of form and the disappointing all-French semi-final are all up for discussion too. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on the Champions Cup quarter-finals. Leinster booked their place in the semi-final after a dominant win against Leicester in Welford Road, and the lads are in agreement that they are well primed to take on Toulouse in Saturday's semi-final. The French giants outlasted Munster in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Aviva Stadium, and Luke thinks that Munster's defence let them down. Munster's game management, Leinster's semi-final selection and Toulouse's ability to make something out of nothing are all up for discussion too. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look ahead to the Champions Cup quarter-finals. It is set to be a bumper weekend, with Munster and Leinster playing back to back on Saturday afternoon. Munster host holders Toulouse in what promises to be a cracker at the Aviva Stadium, and while Cian thinks the French side will be too strong, Luke has an inkling that Munster could produce an upset. We then have a clash of the two most in-form teams in Europe. English table-toppers Leicester host Leinster, who have a commanding lead in the URC. While it won't be easy for Leo Cullen's side, the lads are in agreement that they should have enough to advance to the semi-final stage. Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. For more, visit: www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on the Champions Cup quarter-finals.Leinster booked their place in the semi-final after a dominant win against Leicester in Welford Road, and the lads are in agreement that they are well primed to take on Toulouse in Saturday's semi-final.The French giants outlasted Munster in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Aviva Stadium, and Luke thinks that Munster's defence let them down.Munster's game management, Leinster's semi-final selection and Toulouse's ability to make something out of nothing are all up for discussion too.Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look ahead to the Champions Cup quarter-finals.It is set to be a bumper weekend, with Munster and Leinster playing back to back on Saturday afternoon.Munster host holders Toulouse in what promises to be a cracker at the Aviva Stadium, and while Cian thinks the French side will be too strong, Luke has an inkling that Munster could produce an upset.We then have a clash of the two most in-form teams in Europe. English table-toppers Leicester host Leinster, who have a commanding lead in the URC. While it won't be easy for Leo Cullen's side, the lads are in agreement that they should have enough to advance to the semi-final stage.Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the heavy defeat to England, is this now a moment of reckoning for Ireland’s women’s rugby team with professional contracts set to be the next phase in the XV game’s development here?Wasps hooker, Cliodhna Moloney, and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the fall-out from last week’s loss as well as looking ahead to Ireland’s final Women’s Six Nations game against Scotland when the team has an opportunity to leave their mark on the tournament.For more rugby discussion and analysis, don’t forget to join Will and Luke on the Left Wing next Wednesday.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by South African rugby journalist AP Cronje to discuss the resurgence of the South African teams in the URC.The Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks are a combined 18-2 at home against the rest of the competition, which is a complete turnaround to how they started the competition away from home.AP gives the lads the lowdown on the four South African franchises and says that enthusiasm is building for the tournament among the fans down there.The Springboks potentially joining the Six Nations, Leinster's defeat to the Sharks and Munster's win over Ulster are all up for discussion too.Don’t forget to listen to the Left Wing Extra on Thursday when Sinéad Kissane previews Ireland’s final game in the Women’s Six Nations at home to Scotland with Cliodhna Moloney and Cian Tracey.Listen and follow the Left Wing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cliodhna Moloney joins Sinéad Kissane and Cian Tracey on the latest episode of the Left Wing to look ahead to Ireland’s Women's Six Nations game against England in Leicester on Sunday.Cliodhna and Cian talk about the huge task awaiting Ireland against the number one ranked team in the world especially for an Irish team that is without most of its Sevens players who've been pulled from the squad ahead of their World Sevens Series in Canada. Cliodhna believes the players can use this as a motivating factor like the squad has done in the past. Sinéad also talks to Ireland hooker Neve Jones who's been one of the team's leading players in this Six Nations ahead of what's set to be a record attendance at Welford Road.For more rugby discussion and analysis, don’t forget to join Will and Luke on the Left Wing next Wednesday.For more rugby discussion and analysis, don’t forget to join Will and Luke on the Left Wing next Wednesday.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley of The Belfast Telegraph to discuss the Champions Cup round of 16.Leinster and Munster march on to the quarter-finals after wins over Connacht and Exeter, with the southern province producing a classic Thomond Park performance to sweep Exeter aside.There was also drama in Belfast, as Ulster were pipped at the death by Toulouse.Jonathan starts off by telling the lads about the mood in Ulster as the province look to bounce back from the devastating defeat.Ulster's progress, Connacht's consistency issues, Leinster's tricky balancing act ahead of the quarter-final and Joey Carbery's resurgence are all up for discussion too.Don’t forget to listen to the Left Wing Extra on Friday when Sinéad Kissane previews England v Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Sean O'Brien to look back on the Ireland legend's career.O'Brien confirmed last week that he will retire at the end of the season and he says that the 2017 Lions tour in New Zealand was when he was playing at his peak.The Tullow Tank says that the 2015 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina is one game that still gnaws at him, while he also opens up on his love of coaching.Cian Tracey also joins the lads to discuss Graham Rowntree's appointment as the new Munster head coach as well as the proposed trial for a 20-minute red card.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cliodhna Moloney, the Wasps hooker who was a surprise omission from Ireland’s Six Nations squad, joins Sinéad Kissane and Cian Tracey on the latest episode of the Left Wing to look ahead to Ireland’s must-win game against Italy on Sunday.The big news is that Beibhinn Parsons is back in the first XV, one of six changes to the team. Eimear Considine drops out of the match-day 23 with Lucy Mulhall switching to full-back in a back-three consisting of Parsons and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe.Kathryn Dane, Christy Haney and Hannah O’Connor have all been promoted to the starting line-up as well.Also on the show, Cliodhna addresses her disappointment at being left out of the squad, where the team needs to improve as well as the 7s v XV debate.For more rugby discussion and analysis, don’t forget to join Will and Luke on the Left Wing next Wednesday.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ruaidhrí O'Connor to discuss Leinster's big win over Munster and Ireland women's head coach Greg McWilliams to discuss the Six Nations campaign to date.Leinster secured a big win in Thomond Park to head into Champions Cup action in style, but both Luke and Ruaidhrí are worried about Munster's prospects after another damaging defeat to their biggest rival.Joey Carbery's best position, Leinster's Champions Cup chances and Munster's head coach search are all up for discussion too.Greg McWilliams then joins the lads to discuss how he feels Ireland have performed in the Women’s Six Nations so far. Despite two defeats from two, McWilliams thinks there are reasons to be hopeful ahead of Sunday's game against Italy.Don’t forget to listen to the Left Wing Extra with Sinéad Kissane later in the week when she previews Ireland v Italy in the Women’s Six Nations and you can follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing podcast Sinéad Kissane previews Ireland women’s Six Nations crunch clash against France with Cian Tracey and former Ireland captain, Claire Molloy.The big talking point has been coach Greg McWilliams’ decision to keep Beibhinn Parsons on the bench and sticking with the starting XV that lost 27-17 to Wales in their opening match.It will be a daunting trip to Toulouse to one of the game’s power houses where Ireland have never won and neither Claire nor Cian expect this record to be broken on Saturday. But an improved performance will be green shoots pointing in the right direction.For more rugby discussion and analysis, don’t forget to join Will and Luke on the Left Wing next Wednesday.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald discuss all the latest rugby news and are joined by Chris Foy in the UK to chat about Eddie Jones, England and their coaching succession plan.The lads kick off by looking back at Ireland's opening game of the Women's Six Nations. Despite losing to Wales, Luke thinks there are reasons to be positive ahead of a big test against France this weekend.The chat then looks at the resurgence of the South African teams on home soil in the URC, as well as the prospect of Leinster signing ex-All Blacks centre Charlie Ngatai.In the second half of the show, Chris joins the lads to discuss all the options on the table as England decide who should succeed Eddie Jones after the 2023 World Cup.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing podcast Sinéad Kissane was joined by former Ireland prop, Lindsay Peat, and Irish Independent rugby writer, Cian Tracey, to look ahead to the 2022 Women's Six Nations with Ireland kicking off their championship against Wales at the RDS on Saturday. Peat, who played her final game for Ireland last November, spoke about the turbulent months for Irish women's rugby following the failure to qualify for this year's World Cup and Cian also spoke about the challenges ahead for this Irish team who will be the only team in this Six Nations who won't also compete in this year's World Cup.Flanker Edel McMahon who is in the starting XV for Saturday, was also on the show telling Sinéad about the mood in the Irish camp ahead of the Welsh game.For more rugby discussion and analysis, don’t forget to join Will and Luke on the Left Wing next Wednesday.Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery is joined by Cian Tracey to review the 2022 Six Nations.Ireland came up short in their title quest but ended up with a Triple Crown after four bonus-point wins. The lads are in agreement that the continued development of the attack was a big positive although the number of handling errors needs to be addressed ahead of the summer tour to New Zealand.One area of concern for Andy Farrell will be the depth at front row, with injuries to Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher putting the scrum under serious pressure.Away from Ireland, the state of England is one of the big talking points. Should they stick with Eddie Jones?Scotland's poor campaign, France's resurgence and the return of crowds are all up for discussion too.Listen and follow The Left Wing on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish Independent rugby writers Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane from the Aviva Stadium after Ireland’s victory over Scotland earned them a Triple Crown title in Dublin.Luke and Will return for the regular Left Wing show for more rugby discussion and analysis next Wednesday.Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to discuss Ireland's team selection for the Six Nations finale against Scotland.Iain Henderson, Jack Conan and Mack Hansen all start as Andy Farrell's side look to win a first Six Nations title since 2018 - provided England can do Ireland a favour against France.Meanwhile, Scotland have dropped out-half Finn Russell and have opted for rookie ten Blair Kinghorn. Will that decision come back to haunt Gregor Townsend?Can Ireland win an unlikely Six Nations title? Luke is tipping England beat France anyway...Don’t forget to listen to Sinéad Kissane and the Left Wing Live for post-match reaction to the game on Saturday while Luke and Will return for the regular Left Wing show for more rugby discussion and analysis next Wednesday.Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former England prop Alex Corbisiero to look back on Ireland's record win in Twickenham.Andy Farrell's side are still in contention for the title ahead of Saturday's game against Scotland, but need Eddie Jones' side to do Ireland a favour in Paris against France.The lads kick off the discussion by taking a look at Ireland's scrum woes - with Alex giving his take on why England were so dominant there.Luke felt that Ireland attacked well but forced the final pass on too many occasions, a recurring theme from earlier in the campaign.Eddie Jones' position, Ireland's bench boost and the team's depth are all up for discussion too.Listen and follow The Left Wing on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish Independent rugby writers Rúaidhrí O'Connor and David Kelly join Sinead Kissane from Twickenham to reflect on Ireland's Six Nations win over 14-man England.Luke and Will return for the regular Left Wing show for more rugby discussion and analysis next Wednesday.Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing Extra, Sinead Kissane is joined by Luke Fitzgerald and Rúaidhrí O’Connor to discuss the Ireland team to face England in Twickenham on Saturday.The big guns have been recalled for the crunch clash with Andrew Conway, Bundee Aki and Peter O'Mahony making the first XV.As expected, Johnny Sexton returns as No.10 replacing Joey Carbery while Hugo Keenan is recalled and Mack Hansen misses out.Up front, Andrew Porter's injury-enforced absence paves the way for Cian Healy to earn a start in a front-row along with Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.Don’t forget to listen to Sinead Kissane and the Left Wing Live for post-match reaction to the game on Saturday while Luke and Will return for the regular Left Wing show for more rugby discussion and analysis next Wednesday.Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to look ahead to Ireland's Six Nations showdown with England on Saturday.The show kicks off with the news that Johnny Sexton has signed a new deal to take him up to the 2023 World Cup, and the lads debate how Andy Farrell should manage his captain between now and the tournament in France.The chat then moves onto Eddie Jones and England - is he building a new team capable of success or has he abandoned the players and style that produced a World Cup final appearance?All three of the lads are nervous ahead of Saturday's game, despite England's poor recent showings, with the loss of Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher particularly damaging.Things finish up with a look at the recommendations made from the report into the women's team, before predictions for the England game.Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ian Madigan to discuss Ireland's win over Italy and the campaign to date.Ian and Luke agree that although Andy Farrell's side have had a good tournament, last Sunday was a sloppy day at the office. Luke thinks that the team forced things too much against 13 men, while Ian gives his assessment on how he thinks Joey Carbery played in his two recent starts.Ireland play England next, and both Luke and Ian are unsure if Eddie Jones is going down the right path with his revamped team.The lads finish off the chat with Ian by discussing how his Ulster team are faring, as well as looking ahead to their two-legged tie with Toulouse in April.Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sinéad Kissane hosted the Left Wing Live from the Aviva Stadium with Cian Tracey and Dave Kelly giving their post-match analysis of Ireland's 57-6 thrashing of Italy.Don't forget to listen to Luke and Will's weekly analysis and views on the Left Wing with new shows released every Wednesday.Listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts from.For more, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing Extra, Sinead Kissane is joined by Cian Tracey and Dave Kelly to discuss the Ireland team to face Italy on Sunday.The main news is Joey Carbery keeps his place on the team with Johnny Sexton on the bench and expected to make a second half appearance.Elsewhere, Ulster’s Michael Lowry will make his international debut and Ryan Baird is handed his first championship start.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s Left Wing, Sinead Kissane is joined by Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and former Leinster and Italy international, Ian McKinley, to look ahead to Ireland’s clash against Italy at the weekend.It’s a case of how many points the Irish team can rack up says Luke and Cian, with getting the bonus point and avoiding injury the real focus with the crunch game against England in Twickenham still to come.Ian McKinley discusses recent stories about Italy’s possible replacement by South Africa in the Six Nations and says, while it’s not new, there has been a lack of progress in recent years and the panel discuss how Italy can improve to help make them more competitive.Listen and follow the Left Wing podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Fergus McFadden to look back at Ireland's defeat to France in Paris.Andy Farrell's side came up just short at the Stade de France, with the decision to kick for the posts in the closing minutes proving contentious. Fergus thinks it was the right call while Luke says that James Ryan should have opted to stick the ball in the corner.Both of them are in agreement, however, that with a few less errors, Ireland could have secured a famous victory.Scotland's defeat in Cardiff to Wales, Six Nations trends and France's room for improvement are all up for discussion too.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland suffered a major Six Nations blow when they were beaten by a powerful France 30-24.Sinead Kissane analyses the action with Irish Independent reporters David Kelly and Cian Tracey who were live from the Stade de France.Don't forget to listen to Luke and Will's weekly analysis and views on the Left Wing with new shows released every Wednesday.For more Left Wing episodes, visit the show page at:www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.