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Independentie

News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Style [7]
Entertainment [8]
Travel [9]

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The Left Wing

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and special guests brings you the best rugby news, analysis and exclusive interviews every week on Independent.ie.

The Left Wing Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

November 2022

Ireland's Jack Crowley during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series clash against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland's room for improvement, Jack Crowley's rise and Rassie loses the plot

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on Ireland's win over Fiji and look ahead to the clash against Australia.

Ireland’s Mack Hansen dives over for a try in the 35-17 win over Fiji (Niall Carson/PA Images).

The Left Wing Live: Reaction and analysis from the Aviva to Ireland's win over Fiji

Minutes after the final whistle, Rúaidhrí O’Connor gives his post-match reaction and analysis to Ireland’s 35-17 win over Fiji.

Jeremy Loughman during an Ireland rugby media conference at the IRFU High Performance Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Eight changes and a debut for Jeremy Loughman – Cian Tracey on the Ireland team to face Fiji

It’s a debut for Athy’s Jeremy Loughman as he’s named in the Ireland XV to face Fiji on Saturday and Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane to go through the line-up named by Andy Farrell which has eight changes.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, right, with Johnny Sexton after the win over South Africa. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland take down Springboks, 'A' players miss their chance and Eddie Jones' struggles

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to look back on Ireland's big win over South Africa.

5 November 2022; Mack Hansen of Ireland on the way to scoring his side's second try during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The Left Wing Live: Reaction and analysis from the Aviva to Ireland's win over world champions South Africa

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.

Conor Murray will win his 100th cap against South Africa. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Murray reaches 100 and Baloucoune starts – analysing the Ireland team to face South Africa

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.

Bryan Habana is backing South Africa to beat Ireland. Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

The Left Wing: Bryan Habana gives his verdict on Ireland vs South Africa

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.

October 2022

Luke McGrath was Player of the Match against Munster. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland's autumn targets, unlucky Luke McGrath and would a Challenge Cup year help Munster?

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.

Andy Farrell will be crossing his fingers and hoping his key men can stay fit

The Left Wing: Ireland's injury problems, Munster stand up and English club chaos

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald look ahead to Ireland's November series with Cian Tracey.

Munster have only won on of their first four games to start the URC season. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Munster in turmoil, Leinster get tested and URC on the rise

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.

Emerging Ireland enjoyed an easy win in their first game in South Africa. Photo by Johan Pretorius/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: The desperation derby, is Emerging Ireland tour pointless and do Leinster need overseas stars?

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.

September 2022

Stuart Lancaster and Johnny Sexton are both set to leave Leinster at the end of the season. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: End of the Lancaster era, Munster's concerning start and Bundee Aki sees red

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.

Stuart McCloskey has only won six Ireland caps. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: The McCloskey question, why provinces aren't happy with 'Emerging' Ireland and Raynal's big decision

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.

Jack Conan, breaks through the tacklebags held by Ed Byrne and Thomas Clarkson during a Leinster Rugby squad training session at UCD in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Rugby returns, the Qatar question and should 'Emerging Ireland' be going on tour?

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.

July 2022

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell's contract runs up to the 2023 World Cup. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

'Talking to English colleagues, they think Andy Farrell will be the next England head coach'

Andy Farrell's stock has never been higher as the Ireland head coach basks in the glory of leading his team to a historic series win in New Zealand.

Ireland players celebrate after a try against New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland make history, Andy Farrell's contract situation and the rise of Josh van der Flier

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.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 16: James Lowe of Ireland celebrates with the trophy following the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at Sky Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

The Left Wing Live: Reaction and analysis from Wellington to Ireland's famous series win

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.

Johnny Sexton is hoping to lead Ireland to a series win in New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland chase history in New Zealand, Jaco Peyper's performance and Ciaran Frawley's future

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.

Two-try hero Andrew Porter of Ireland celebrates against New Zealand in their second Test win at Dunedin, New Zealand.. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

The Left Wing Extra: Post-match reaction to Ireland's epic 23-12 second Test win over the All Blacks

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.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is in contention for the second Test against New Zealand (Andrew Matthews/PA)

The Left Wing: The Johnny Sexton debate, Ireland's composure issue and the view from New Zealand

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.

Garry Ringrose is tackled by Rieko Ioane of New Zealand during the test at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing Extra: Post-match reaction to Ireland's 42-19 first test defeat to New Zealand

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.

June 2022

Joe Schmidt is working with the All Blacks this week. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Tough night for the young guns, All Blacks under pressure and the Joe Schmidt factor

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.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell with captain Johnny Sexton. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Can Ireland win a test series in New Zealand?

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.

Andy Farrell has selected his squad for the tour of New Zealand. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland's touring party, Leinster's trophyless season and Ulster's missed opportunity

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.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan, left, and Craig Casey react after the defeat to Ulster. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: End of an era in Munster, confident Ulster and the Ireland/South Africa final four

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.

Johnny Sexton walks past the trophy after his side's defeat in the Heineken Champions Cup Final. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Champions Cup review - Leinster come up short again as La Rochelle reign supreme

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.

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