We're down to the business end of the Rugby World Cup and it's not South Africa, but New Zealand, that Ireland are facing, so what chance does Joe Schmidt's Ireland have of actually progressing past the quarter-finals?

It's the biggest of asks against the All Blacks and on this week's Left Wing podcast, Leinster and Australia's, Scott Fardy, who played in the 2015 World Cup final, joined Luke Fitzgerald, Fergus McFadden and Will Slattery.

For Scott Fardy it comes down to one thing: defence.  Do that and we could be five point victors he reckons,
"Just defend well, defend really well, then you have a chance."

Fergus McFadden also thinks the Irish players will lift themselves for a match-winning performance, while Luke doesn't think so, believing New Zealand, ultimately, will have the edge.

The panel also discussed the importance of Johnny Sexton, Joe Schmidt's trick-plays, the Nigel Owens' influence and they give their predictions for the other quarter-final pairings, the chances of an upset in those games and will Japan's fairytale World Cup continue into semis?

For more from the Left Wing you can visit the show page:
www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-left-wing/

The Left Wing is sponsored by Aldi.

We're down to the business end of the Rugby World Cup and it's not South Africa, but New Zealand, that Ireland are facing, so what chance does Joe Schmidt's Ireland have of actually progressing past the quarter-finals? It's the biggest of asks against the All Blacks and on this week's Left Wing podcast, Leinster and Australia's, Scott Fardy, who played in the 2015 World Cup final, joined Luke Fitzgerald, Fergus McFadden and Will Slattery. For Scott Fardy it comes down to one thing: defence. Do that and we could be five point victors he reckons, "Just defend well, defend really well, then you have a chance." Fergus McFadden also thinks the Irish players will lift themselves for a match-winning performance, while Luke doesn't think so, believing New Zealand, ultimately, will have the edge. The panel also discussed the importance of Johnny Sexton, Joe Schmidt's trick-plays, the Nigel Owens' influence and they give their predictions for the other quarter-final pairings, the chances of an upset in those games and will Japan's fairytale World Cup continue into semis? For more from the Left Wing you can visit the show page: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-left-wing/ The Left Wing is sponsored by Aldi.

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

We're down to the business end of the Rugby World…