The mood may have been sombre in the aftermath of the comprehensive defeat to England in the Six Nations at the weekend, but for Luke Fitzgerald, it's about looking to the bigger picture.

"This is not the end of the world.  Everyone just calm down.  Let's for once in our lives say it’s about the World Cup," Luke told Will Slattery and Cian Tracey on this week's episode of the Left Wing.  "Who cares about the Six Nations? We have a chance to do something special with this team in the World Cup."

Apart from the players' lack of physicality, the lack of atmosphere was also an issue.

"It shouldn't take the All Blacks coming to town for there to be an incredible atmosphere," said Cian.  "It was so noticeable coming up to kick-off how empty the stadium was."

In the short-term there's the game against Scotland to come and the panel reckon Ireland will do it and not repeat the mistakes from the English game.

"They haven’t delivered this time, it’s ok, they’ve a great coach to put things right and they’ll beat Scotland," says Luke.

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

The Left Wing podcast is in association with Aldi.

The mood may have been sombre in the aftermath of the comprehensive defeat to England in the Six Nations at the weekend, but for Luke Fitzgerald, it's about looking to the bigger picture. "This is not the end of the world. Everyone just calm down. Let's for once in our lives say it’s about the World Cup," Luke told Will Slattery and Cian Tracey on this week's episode of the Left Wing. "Who cares about the Six Nations? We have a chance to do something special with this team in the World Cup." Apart from the players' lack of physicality, the lack of atmosphere was also an issue. "It shouldn't take the All Blacks coming to town for there to be an incredible atmosphere," said Cian. "It was so noticeable coming up to kick-off how empty the stadium was." In the short-term there's the game against Scotland to come and the panel reckon Ireland will do it and not repeat the mistakes from the English game. "They haven’t delivered this time, it’s ok, they’ve a great coach to put things right and they’ll beat Scotland," says Luke. For more from the Left Wing podcast visit 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

The mood may have been sombre in the aftermath of…