Earls centre of attention for Ireland
Keith Earls was given the task of filling the void created by Brian O’Driscoll’s absence as Ireland named their side to face Wales in this weekend’s Six Nations opener.
Munster star Earls will partner Gordon D’Arcy in the centre as Ireland aim to avenge their World Cup quarterfinal defeat by Wales in their opening game of the tournament at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.
Earls is one of three changes from the Ireland side beaten by Wales in New Zealand, with Andrew Trimble coming onto the left wing while flyhalf Jonathan Sexton partners No.9 Conor Murray at halfback.
The forwards are unchanged, with experienced lock Paul O’Connell wearing the captain’s armband.
Uncapped Peter O’Mahony is named on the bench.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O’Connell (captain), 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Tom Court, 17 Sean Cronin, 18 Peter O’Mahony, 19 Donnacha Ryan, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O’Gara, 22 Fergus McFadden.
Date: Sunday, September 5
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Dave Pearson (England), Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Geoff Warren (England)
