The Left Wing
The Left Wing
Irish Independent
The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered. From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.
Leinster's risky succession plan, Nienaber's strange status & Ulster's time to deliver
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley for part two of their season preview with Leinster and Ulster under the microscope. The danger of Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber being lame ducks, Leinster's age profile and Ulster's Champions Cup target are all on the menu. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 22
57 min
Lancaster's year two blueprint, Frawley's make or break season & Munster's chink of light
Will, Luke and Cian convene for part one of the Left Wing's season preview with Munster and Connacht under the microscope. The lads throw out a few reasons for Munster fans to be hopeful ahead of the new season but serious questions about the direction of travel still remain. Meanwhile, year two of Stuart Lancaster in Connacht is picking up steam with the westerners looking poised to have a big season. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 15
1 hr 3 min
Contepomi's Leinster link, ROG's future & Springboks statement
Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to discuss the latest news on Leinster's coaching search and South Africa's impressive third Test win over New Zealand. Felipe Contepomi's Leinster link, Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle future and Rassie Erasmus' record vs the All Blacks is all on the menu. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 7
50 min
Rassie's 'Bond villain' approach, Crowley concern & Leinster's RDS dilemma
It’s officially season number 10 of the Left Wing as Will, Luke and Rúaidhrí come in off the back of another high-quality clash between South Africa and New Zealand, where the quality of Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi shine in the Springboks win. The lads also break down Jack Crowley’s injury and Rud gives us an inside look into the new RDS. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by EnergiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 31
1 hr 5 min
Springboks stunned, All Blacks' new era & Rassie's big decision
The Left Wing has come out of hibernation as Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to review the first Test of Springboks vs All Blacks. South Africa's missed opportunities, the All Blacks improvement under Dave Rennie and the future of summer tours are all on the menu. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 24
54 min
The big Ireland debrief | Too many mistakes, the big three gap & World Cup outlook
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley for one final Left Wing of the season as they dissect Ireland's defeat to New Zealand. The lads break down Ireland's shortcomings in Eden Park and discuss the direction of travel with the World Cup looming on the horizon. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 21
1 hr 2 min
New Zealand 40 Ireland 19 | Lots to ponder for Andy Farrell after Eden Park humbling
Will is joined by Cian Tracey from Eden Park to break down Ireland's heavy defeat to the All Blacks. The lads pick through the errors Andy Farrell's side made and discuss whether this result means Ireland are definitively behind the big three of South Africa, France and New Zealand. Rugby on the Indo Sport podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 18
31 min
Disjointed Ireland, Frawley misses his chance & Eden Park looms
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley reflect on Ireland's stuttering win over Japan and look ahead to the showdown with New Zealand in Eden Park. Ciaran Frawley's performance, the lineout struggles and whether Andy Farrell made too many changes is all on the menu. The lads then move onto next weekend's game in Auckland, where Ireland will bid to become the first team to beat the All Blacks in Eden Park in the professional era. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 13
1 hr 2 min
Ireland team reaction | Four new caps, Frawley's chance and the 13 concern
Will, Luke and Cian convene once again to discuss the Ireland team that will face Japan on Saturday. Andy Farrell has made nine changes, with Ciaran Frawley handed the ten jersey and four uncapped players - Sean Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward - all in the 23. The lads also discuss the lack of depth at outside centre, with veteran Robbie Henshaw given the 13 jersey this Saturday in place of Garry Ringrose. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 9
29 min
Ireland's smart play, Australia's missed chance & Eddie Jones mind games
Will, Luke and Cian (from Sydney) convene to discuss Ireland's thrilling win over Australia to start the Nations Championship. The lads break down how Ireland were able to come away with a victory despite a strong Wallabies performance and look ahead to next weekend's clash with Japan - with Eddie Jones already starting the mind games. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 7
1 hr
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