On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Brendan Fanning of the Sunday Independent to discuss all the latest rugby news.

The lads kick things off with a look back at Leinster's epic win over Exeter in the Champions Cup final. Luke breaks down the defensive issues that saw Leo Cullen's men go 14-0 down in the opening stages, while Brendan takes a look at how they battled back to claim victory.

It was a big day for Ross Byrne after he came on to replace Johnny Sexton, and the lads discuss whether the out-half has been harshly treated in his international career after another strong display in Europe.

Simon Zebo has announced his return to Munster and everyone is in agreement that it is an exciting move - but will the 31-year-old be back in the Ireland squad soon?

The lads then debate Leinster's signing of Crusaders prop Michael Alaalatoa, with Luke saying that the province should be backing their young players.

Finally, the panel look back on Ireland's impressive win in the Six Nations opener against Wales, which included a stellar performance from superstar wing Beibhinn Parsons.

An epic in Exeter, Zebo's return and Leinster's transfer policy

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Brendan Fanning of the Sunday Independent to discuss the opening weekend of the Champions Cup and Ireland's World Cup pool draw.Although the tournament in France is just under three years away, the lads kick things off by discussing Ireland's difficult draw, and how the arrival of the South African teams in an expanded PRO16 could be crucial for Irish rugby.The lads then move on to the European action, starting with how the young players fared after being given a show of faith from the provincial coaches.Leinster and Munster opened their campaigns with wins while Connacht and Ulster came up just short, and there are a few cracking games up for decision this coming weekend.Pat Lam's return to Galway with Bristol and Ben Healy's possible move to Glasgow are discussed too.

Ireland's daunting draw, Connacht's progress and Munster's Clermont clash

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald has the best rugby analysis and exclusive interviews every week on Independent.ie.  

Former Ireland international Luke is joined by Independent.ie’s Will Slattery, as well as the biggest names in Irish rugby.

Harnessing his in-depth knowledge from his playing days, Luke dissects how the provinces are performing week in, week out.

And for all the international action, listen to the Left Wing for the best analysis and compelling chat about the Irish team.

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