The Left Wing Irish Independent

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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England dished out a 88-10 hammering to Ireland in the Women's Six Nations at Twickenham last weekend. The world number one-ranked team completely overwhelmed Ireland as they ran in 14 tries.

Scott Bemand's side will play Scotland in Belfast in next Saturday's final round with an automatic place in next year’s World Cup up for grabs for the team that finishes third in the table.

Former Ireland player Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly of scrumqueens.com joined Sinéad Kissane to go through last weekend's demolition and look ahead to the biggest game of the year for Ireland.
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Leinster's emphatic win over La Rochelle and their blockbuster signing of Jordie Barrett are up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing.

Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery break down the key moments behind Leinster's victory and single out the key performers like Will Connors and Joe McCarthy.

Jacques Nienaber's influence on Leinster is also discussed before talk turns to the signing of All Blacks star Barrett.

The lads debate whether the signing should have been signed off by the IRFU and the worrying gulf that has emerged between the provinces.

Ulster and Connacht's heavy European defeats are also on the agenda.
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Ireland have jumped to third in the Women's Six Nations table after their excellent bonus point win over Wales at Musgrave Park on Saturday.

Ireland scored five tries as they won 36-5 to record their first win in the championship since April 2022.

Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane to talk through this very impressive performance and look ahead to Ireland's daunting task against England at Twickenham next weekend.
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