It’s Joe Schmidt’s last Six Nations with Ireland and he’s sure to want to go out on a winning note, but should one eye be on the World Cup and our chances there?

On this week’s Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish Independent Rugby Correspondent, Ruaidhri O’Connor, and outspoken columnist, Neil Francis, to look ahead to Ireland’s opening clash against England as well our chances of winning the tournament overall.

Plus, former Irish international, Fiona Steed, gives the run down on the Irish Womens’ Six Nations.  The opening games against England on Friday and the clash against France will be their toughest challenges and a top three finish should be Ireland’s goal, she tells Will and Luke.

One of the main talking points however, is whether Joe Schmidt should be looking to blood new players in the coming weeks with the World Cup year in mind and Luke says he’d rather a drop off in the Six Nations than the World Cup.

‘It’s all about the quality of coaches,’ says Neil Francis.  ‘Joe will figure out how to beat the opposition, even if it takes until the second half against the English.’

For more from the Left Wing podcast visit https://www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-left-wing/

The Left Wing podcast is in association with Aldi.

It’s Joe Schmidt’s last Six Nations with Ireland and he’s sure to want to go out on a winning note, but should one eye be on the World Cup and our chances there? On this week’s Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish Independent Rugby Correspondent, Ruaidhri O’Connor, and outspoken columnist, Neil Francis, to look ahead to Ireland’s opening clash against England as well our chances of winning the tournament overall. Plus, former Irish international, Fiona Steed, gives the run down on the Irish Womens’ Six Nations. The opening games against England on Friday and the clash against France will be their toughest challenges and a top three finish should be Ireland’s goal, she tells Will and Luke. One of the main talking points however, is whether Joe Schmidt should be looking to blood new players in the coming weeks with the World Cup year in mind and Luke says he’d rather a drop off in the Six Nations than the World Cup. ‘It’s all about the quality of coaches,’ says Neil Francis. ‘Joe will figure out how to beat the opposition, even if it takes until the second half against the English.’ For more from the Left Wing podcast visit https://www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-left-wing/ The Left Wing podcast is in association with 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

It’s Joe Schmidt’s last Six Nations with Ireland …