The Rugby World Cup has begun and it started with a bang.
From Ireland's complete performance against Scotland to New Zealand beating South Africa and France overcoming Argentina, Fergus McFadden joined Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery for another episode of the Left Wing to dissect the key games.

James Ryan's growing influence and spectacular playing stats week after week were lauded as was Rory Best's return to form and the front five giving the team the platform to perform.

"The real stand-out for me was the front-row," said Luke. "It’s a real point of difference for us.  We’re in a great place but it is still important that they take Japan seriously and try to smash them."

With a probable quarter-final against South Africa to look forward to after their defeat to New Zealand, Fergus believes the South African defence can be got at.
"South Africa weren’t as impressive as they have been.  They're making a few silly decisions out of defence.  There's parts of their game that would encourage me that we could beat them."

Away from the Rugby World Cup, there's also the return of the Pro14 to look forward to for Fergus McFadden and he talks to Will about being the old man in the dressing-room and how he keeps the spring in his step coming into his twelfth year at Leinster.

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

The Left Wing is sponsored by Aldi.

The Rugby World Cup has begun and it started with a bang. From Ireland's complete performance against Scotland to New Zealand beating South Africa and France overcoming Argentina, Fergus McFadden joined Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery for another episode of the Left Wing to dissect the key games. James Ryan's growing influence and spectacular playing stats week after week were lauded as was Rory Best's return to form and the front five giving the team the platform to perform. "The real stand-out for me was the front-row," said Luke. "It’s a real point of difference for us.  We’re in a great place but it is still important that they take Japan seriously and try to smash them." With a probable quarter-final against South Africa to look forward to after their defeat to New Zealand, Fergus believes the South African defence can be got at. "South Africa weren’t as impressive as they have been.  They're making a few silly decisions out of defence.  There's parts of their game that would encourage me that we could beat them." Away from the Rugby World Cup, there's also the return of the Pro14 to look forward to for Fergus McFadden and he talks to Will about being the old man in the dressing-room and how he keeps the spring in his step coming into his twelfth year at Leinster. For more from the Left Wing you can visit 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 Rugby World Cup has begun and it started with…