On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Neil Francis to react to CJ Stander's shock retirement and discuss all the latest Six Nations news.

The lads kick things off with a discussion on the back row's surprise announcement, with Neil saying that he doesn't think Stander will stay retired, and could potentially join up with one of the South African franchises after he returns home.

Luke pays tribute to Stander's service to Irish rugby, but has mixed feelings over his decision to step away.

In terms of on-pitch action, Luke takes a look at Ireland's defensive issues, while the lads discuss Ireland's propensity to kick away turnover ball.

England are coming to town for the Six Nations finale on Saturday, and Luke and Neil both offer areas where Ireland must improve if they want to secure an upset victory.

However, ultimately, they think Eddie Jones' men will leave the Aviva Stadium with a five consecutive win over Ireland.

Neil Francis - I think we could see CJ Stander in a Bulls jersey sooner rather than later

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Neil Francis to look back on Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat and look ahead to the Lions squad announcement.

For the third year in a row, Leinster have failed to win back the European Cup - this time losing to Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle side.
Luke picks out the areas he thinks cost Leinster the game, while Neil thinks that the influence of La Rochelle second row Will Skelton was crucial in the outcome.

The lads debate whether the weakness of the PRO14 has hindered Leinster's chances in Europe and look at how Ross Byrne fared in the absence of Johnny Sexton.

On the Lions squad, Neil thinks that Sexton could miss out on selection and explains why he misses Warren Gatland since his departure as Wales head coach.

Neil Francis on Leinster's European exit and why he misses Warren Gatland

Produced & Arranged by Karen Martirosean & Dan Beck. Add Production & Mix by Rob Early. Mastering by Brian Hazard. Vocals by Neil Francis. Add. Keyboards & Programming by Karen Martirosean. Add. Drum Programming & Backing Vocals by Ole Ulrich Jensen. Words & Music by Dan Beck. Photo by Lars Ludvig Sørensen. Artwork by Ashley Bingham.
Rob Early (Retrogramme). Brian Hazard (Color Theory). Ole Ulrich Jensen (Vaylon & Reliant)

Digital Single : Second Complex - Solid Ground (feat. Neil Francis) https://music.apple.com/us/album/solid-ground-feat-neil-francis-single/1566899015

https://www.amazon.com/Solid-Ground/dp/B094KJT137/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Second+Complex+Solid+Ground&qid=1621775688&s=dmusic&sr=1-1

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https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B094LYWZQ4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Second+Complex+Solid+Ground&qid=1621776133&s=dmusic&sr=1-1

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2021 Liquid Substance Records
Released on: 2021-05-21

Second Complex : https://www.facebook.com/SecondComplexMusic

Neil Frances : https://www.facebook.com/neilfrancisofficial

Second Complex - Solid Ground (feat. Neil Francis)

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Neil Francis to discuss Ireland's Six Nations campaign to date.

Neil is disappointed by the lack of progress the team has made under Andy Farrell, while Luke is concerned with the team's defence as well as the attack.

The lads look back on the defeat to France last weekend, with Neil left very impressed with how Les Bleus are building following the addition of Shaun Edwards.

The out-half succession plan is a talking point, with both Luke and Neil very enthusiastic about the potential of Leinster youngster Ciaran Frawley.

Neil says that Andy Farrell will be under a lot of pressure if things don't improve and that the IRFU should make a call to Ronan O'Gara at the end of the Six Nations.

Scotland's collapse against Wales and England's stuttering form is up for discussion too.

Neil Francis - why the IRFU should get on the phone to Ronan O'Gara

With new shows every Wednesday, former Lions and Ireland international Luke Fitzgerald joins Will Slattery to dissect the Irish provinces and Irish team performances.

Join Luke, Will and the biggest names in rugby each week for the best rugby analysis and exclusive interviews.

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