The Left Wing Irish Independent

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Ruaidhri O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery preview Leinster vs Toulouse in the Champions Cup final

Leinster's record in deciders has not been good in the last few years and Ruaidhri thinks the psychological baggage they are carrying could be significant.

Luke says Jacques Nienaber's defensive influence could be a deciding factor while the lads also talk through all the big team selection talking points.

The URC playoff race, Simon Zebo's retirement and Sam Prendergast's possible loan move are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster's rich vein of form is a main topic of discussion on this week's episode of The Left Wing where Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey join Will Slattery.

Just like last season, Graham Rowntree's men have timed their URC run nicely, and after a big win over Connacht, their title defence looks in a great place.

It's a different story for Connacht, who face a must-win game against the Stomers after an abject showing in Limerick.

The lads also look ahead to Ulster vs Leinster this weekend after both teams enjoyed impressive wins last Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster nervously inched their way closer to a fifth European Champions Cup, after a nail-biting finish at GAA HQ on Saturday evening.

A James Lowe hat trick capped an impressive first 60 minutes in style, but why did things fall apart as the final whistle approached? Will Luke and Cian discuss how a 37 minute period without a score will be punished by a better team than Northampton. Leinster will now line up against a very tricky Toulouse team for the final, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, May 25th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's selection policy ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final is a big topic of discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing.
Luke Fitzgerald, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Will Slattery discuss whether Leo Cullen made a mistake in resting so many starters for the recent trip to South Africa and break down some of the big selection talking points for the semi-final at Croke Park.

Meanwhile, Munster continued their strong record in South Africa and look primed for another URC title tilt while Ulster's form under Richie Murphy leaves them in danger of missing out on a playoff place.

Plus, why Croke Park can be a hindrance for kickers.
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It was a memorable weekend for Ireland after they secured automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in England.

Scott Bemand's team finished third in the Women's Six Nations table which also means they will play in Tier 1 of the WXV competition later this year.

Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to review the campaign and discuss what needs to be done for Ireland to become World Cup ready.
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After Munster's performance in Loftus, can their win over the Bulls be the catalyst for a URC defence and what about the difference RG Snyman makes?

Cian Tracey and Luke Fitzgerald join Rúaidhrí O’Connor on this week’s Left Wing podcast to discuss all the big talking points for Irish rugby from the weekend.

After Leinster’s uncharacteristic loss to Lions are they repeating past mistakes as the coaches fly home to prep for Saints?

There’s also been a lot of talk about central contracts and the panel asks is the model working and does it need tweaking or wholesale change?

Plus, selling out Croke Park - what it means for Leinster, Irish rugby and what it's like to play in.
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