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.

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

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

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery look ahead to Ireland's Test series against South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing.

Despite the club season ending on a sour note for the Irish provinces, Luke thinks that Andy Farrell can build his players up to take on the Springboks.

The lads discuss some of the selection dilemmas facing Farrell such as at full back, scrum-half and the back five of the scrum.

They then finish up by looking at the Leinster log-jam at out-half featuring Ciaran Frawley, Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne and Sam Prendergast.

Ireland's selection decisions and Leinster's out-half problem

Leinster and Munster's URC semi-final defeats and Ireland's squad announcement were up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast.

Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to pick through a very disappointing weekend for Irish rugby.

Luke says Leinster have major questions to answer after a third season without a trophy while Cian says that Munster got their team selection badly wrong for the semi-final loss to Glasgow.

Andy Farrell has also named his Ireland squad for the tour to South Africa, and the lads are mixed on whether it is a strong enough selection to beat the Springboks.

Ireland select squad for Springboks after a bad weekend for Leinster and Munster

Rúaidhrí O’Connor join Cian Tracey and Luke Fitzgerald to assess the chances of a Leinster v Munster decider in the URC.

Leinster have logistical headaches and altitude to contend with as they travel to face the Bulls in Loftus Versfeld - Luke remembers how playing at such heights can impact your body.

Meanwhile - Munster can make most of their partnerships; who Andy Farrell may pick to face the Springboks; should Simon Zebo get a call-up?

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

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