The Ireland team to play France in Friday's Six Nations opener in Marseille has been named. 

On today's episode of the Left Wing podcast, Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Sinéad Kissane from Ireland's pre-Six Nations base in Portugal before they leave for France to discuss the big talking points of Andy Farrell's selection, including starts for Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose's absence through injury, Crowley’s start at outhalf and the 6/2 forwards/backs split on the bench.

Join us again on Thursday when Sinéad and Rúaidhrí will be back with more news and updates from the Ireland and France camps.

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.

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald has the best r…

The Left Wing

Ireland team news -  McCarthy & Nash start, 6/2 split on the bench

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.

Why Munster look primed for another URC title

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.

Leinster's lucky Croke Park escape, as a difficult Toulouse final awaits

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.

Ireland team news - McCarthy & Nash start, 6/2 split on the bench

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