The feel-good factor has gone again and suddenly Group A has got interesting.  This week on the Left Wing, Luke Fitzgerald, Fergus McFadden and Will Slattery look back on the shock defeat to Japan and try to put a positive spin on things.

But has the trauma of Rugby World Cups past come back to haunt them and what damage will there be to the confidence of the players?

"On our day we can beat New Zealand or South Africa," says Fergus.  "But the inconsistencies in our performances are the most concerning thing."

"The Russia game is an opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection," believes Luke.  " I want to see a cohesive performance, correct the errors, show we’ve become acclimatised and are a force to contend with."

Plus, the lads discuss the ongoing problems with officiating, why Michael Cheika is such a tough nut (including a great story from Fergus from their Leinster days), and Luke's unforgettable Nelson Mandela moment.

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 feel-good factor has gone again and suddenly Group A has got interesting. This week on the Left Wing, Luke Fitzgerald, Fergus McFadden and Will Slattery look back on the shock defeat to Japan and try to put a positive spin on things. But has the trauma of Rugby World Cups past come back to haunt them and what damage will there be to the confidence of the players? "On our day we can beat New Zealand or South Africa," says Fergus. "But the inconsistencies in our performances are the most concerning thing." "The Russia game is an opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection," believes Luke. " I want to see a cohesive performance, correct the errors, show we’ve become acclimatised and are a force to contend with." Plus, the lads discuss the ongoing problems with officiating, why Michael Cheika is such a tough nut (including a great story from Fergus from their Leinster days), and Luke's unforgettable Nelson Mandela moment. 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

The feel-good factor has gone again and suddenly …