1
'You can’t have a normal week because it’s not a normal week'
Keith Earls has admitted it will be a mixture of relief and pride to reach 100 Ireland caps after fearing injury issues may cause him to fall short of the milestone. Munster wing Earls is poised to become only the ninth Irishman to achieve a century of Test outings ahead of Saturday’s World Cup warm-up clash with England in Dublin.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 35-year-old went more than a year without an international appearance amid fitness problems before being recalled by head coach Andy Farrell for the 33-17 win over Italy on August 5.
“I’m trying not to think about it but talking to Andy about if it does happen, he’s telling me: ‘It’s not just another cap, you can’t have a normal week because it’s not a normal week’,” said Earls.
“It would be a massive honour but also just a bit of relief because I was stuck on 98. I suppose in the last couple of years I was genuinely thinking every time I stepped onto the field it could be the last time. I’d be extremely proud and privileged to join a unique group.”
Earls is set to move alongside Ireland greats Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, Rory Best, Paul O’Connell and John Hayes in reaching three figures, in addition to current teammates Cian Healy, Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray.
He featured in two of his country’s three Tests during last summer’s victorious tour of New Zealand but was then sidelined for autumn victories over South Africa, Fiji and Australia and this year’s Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam success.
Earls believes he has enjoyed the best pre-season of his career as he attempts to secure a spot at his fourth World Cup. Asked if there were times during the past 12 months when he thought his Ireland days may be over, he replied: “Yeah, especially with the talent coming through and the way some of the lads are playing and my injury history last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
“But I just kept the head down and I’m grateful. I have a great relationship with Andy and great trust with Andy and we will always be honest with each other. I genuinely have probably had my best pre-season this year as a professional rugby player.
“We have got everything spot on between all the training, physios, coaches, so it has been really enjoyable. I suppose there is that bit of pressure as well because you want to repay them [the coaches] as well but Andy’s just big on allowing us to be ourselves and not blowing things up too much or trying anything special.
“It’s just be yourself and if you are special, you’re special, but it gives you great confidence, especially as an old winger.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments