Cian and Jonathan had to rush to the World Cup opening ceremony, to we've gone to our bench as Ruaidhri is joined by Alan Quinlan and Billy Keane to reflect on Ireland's team for Scotland and life in Japan

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Cian and Jonathan had to rush to the World Cup opening ceremony, to we've gone to our bench as Ruaidhri is joined by Alan Quinlan and Billy Keane to reflect on Ireland's team for Scotland and life in Japan

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Blurb: Cian Tracey and Ruaidhri O'Connor have added Jonathan Bradley from the Belfast Telegraph to their line-up. The lads discuss first their impressions of Yokohama, how the weather is going to be a big factor this weekend and why Christian Lealiifano's remarkable recovery is already the story of the World Cup.

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Just another day of drama at the World Cup where Wales have lost  a coach and the Ireland back-three is looking depleted ahead of the opening weekend. Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey bring you the latest news and views from the Ireland base in Yokohama.

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On this week's episode of The Left Wing in association with Aldi, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by their World Cup-signing, Fergus McFadden.

The Leinster star is signed up with the Left Wing for the duration of the tournament in Japan, and starts by looking back on his World Cup memories - both good and bad.

McFadden made the 2011 squad - at Luke's expense - before falling just outside the cut line in 2015. He talks about the difficulties of missing out on selection as well as telling some brilliant stories about his time in New Zealand.

The lads also talk about the challenges that pop up from being away for such a long period of time, as well as why it's important for the fringe players to keep focused even if they aren't in selection contention.

With Ireland set to start their World Cup against Scotland this weekend, the guys also discuss the lengthening injury list. With Rob Kearney, Keith Earls and Robbie Henshaw in danger of missing out, the possible Ireland selection is up for debate.

Joe Schmidt's fullback options, New Zealand vs South Africa and the threat of Fiji are all also up for discussion.

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www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-left-wing/

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Cian Tracey and Ruaidhri O'Connor are back after another night of breaking Ireland injury news as Rob Kearney becomes the latest doubt for Sunday's opener against Scotland. We hear from Rhys Ruddock and his brother Ciaran (S&C coach), who both played for the Ireland U-20s at the 2009 Junior World Cup in Japan.

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Independent.ie's Cian Tracey and Ruaidhri O’Connor are in Chiba and they’re getting used to life in Japan where Ireand are not giving up hope on injured star Robbie Henshaw who will miss the opener against Scotland but remains hopeful of playing a part at the World Cup. Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek gives an update on the Leinster man, while the lads discuss sumo, the inclement weather and Ireland’s strategy for basing themselves in a charmless suburb outside Tokyo.

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Before heading off to the Far East on their great Rugby World Cup adventure, the Irish Independent’s Ruaidhri O’Connor and Cian Tracy joined Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to preview the tournament, give their predictions on how far Ireland will go and who will win the tournament.

Looking ahead to Ireland’s likely strongest XV Luke disagrees with the consensus on Bundee Aki getting the nod ahead of Garry Ringrose saying it’s even worse than the Devin Toner situation.

“They’re going to pick a 16 stone guy who’s a big lump ahead of Garry Ringrose. He shouldn’t be on the team. The guy is a blow-in. It’s going to annoy me watching it. Ringrose is a super-star in the making, he is class and more creative. Aki is getting away with it and it’s wrong and doesn’t sit well with me. What’s going on here? We’re not picking any of the Irish guys? Ringrose has got the potential to be the next Drico.”

Striking a pessimistic note, none of the panel can see Ireland getting past the quarter-finals either, be it New Zealand or South Africa that we end up facing.

“It will be a close match against New Zealand,” says Luke. “And against South Africa their pack will be an issue for us. South Africa are on form and timing their run well and with a heavy heart I can’t see us beating them.”

“What would be worse though,” says Ruaidhri O’Connor. “Is if we beat New Zealand in the quarter-finals, we all lose our minds and then lose to Wales in the semi.”

That or Eddie Jones and England winning the World Cup.

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As Ireland gear up for their final warm-up game against Wales before they depart for Japan next week, Cian Tracey and Jonathan Bradley discuss the importance of having an almost fully squad to pick from.We hear from Rory Best who talks about the lineout issues as Jean Kleyn looks for a big performance after a tricky week. The lads agree that there is a lot to like about having CJ Stander and Jack Conan starting in the same back-row.

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Fresh from being called a xenophobic, Brexit-eering, Boris Johnson wannabe, Luke Fitzgerald is back on the Left Wing with Will Slattery this week to defend and explain his anger at the Devin Toner World Cup snub.

“We’re not talking about people coming over in a boat like refugees. We’re trying to keep the international game separate and special. It’s special to be Irish, you can’t just give it out for nothing.”

Luke also believes that many players in the Irish World Cup squad feel the same way and don’t agree with Joe Schmidt’s decision.

Voicing his opinions and disappointment on the show was Ian Madigan who has played under Schmidt at Rugby World Cups and gives an insight into the decision-making process to Schmidt’s game-plan.

Plus, the lads discuss the other parts of the squad make-up including the omission of Will Addison and the lack of depth at 9.

For more from the Left Wing you can visit

www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-left-wing/



The Left Wing is sponsored by Aldi.

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