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BartBart S wrote:So Earls is too small for international rugby yet still managed to play ok against S Africa in the autumn?
Jason Robinson (Lions and world cup winner) and Shane Williams (IRB player of the year) aren't exactly huge either.
If we're going to judge players purely on the french game then Earls wasn't the only one who can't cut it at international level. Think the Fench treated Tommy with a lot more disdain in Paris a few years ago.
I agree.bogboy wrote: sorry to say if BoD gets injured Earls definitely won't fill that gap
I don't think this point has been missed Boggy.I didn't see anybody argue with you on it.bogboy wrote:shan the try is similiar to one scored by DH against Stade many years ago.
One of the points being missed in my post is that many of Irelands trys come the timing of BoD's passes put Earls in the centre not only is the timing of the pass lost but the pass as well
think of Wales last week think of Scotland last week the centres are not bad players - pacy- powerful can go for a gap but the trys aren't being scored because the timing of the pass is not there and sorry to say if BoD gets injured Earls definitely won't fill that gap
Or else McGeechan thought he's not an international centre yet, and of course playing him in the centre will change him it will give him time to develop his skills as a centre. Look at Foden for england, he was a very good scrum half and changed to full back where he has developed into an excellent player and it took him a while to adjust and develop the skill necessary. Just because someone is a good rugby player in one position does not mean he could be a very good player in another position. Alot of top class centres begin there top level careers playing on the wing why should Earls be any different? You may be right and Earls may turn out to be best on the wing but playing him in the centre for Munster can only be a good thing, he'll improve his vision and passing, he'll learn as a centre what lines he likes a winger to run to pass to, he'll learn where a centre wants a winger to be defensively and countless other things that he can then transfer into his game on the wing.bogboy wrote:My point is that BoD is a TEAM PLAYER Earls is an individualist take that out of him and you will lose the player its the fact that he has tunnel vision makes him effective on the wing less effective at full back and a possible liability in the centre.
i don't think playing him in the centre will change him to any extent even if he was effective in that position for Munster
McGuikin took him to SA with the lions played him in the centre twice I think and when Flutey got injured sent for D'Arcy realising that Earls was not an International centre. As a winger he is the finished article why try to change him to something else.
Surely thats sacrilege for any rugby fanMcGuikin
How anyone can say thta about anyone his age is beyond me. Earls is raw in any position. He's a precocious talent but nowhere near the finished articlebogboy wrote: As a winger he is the finished article
Keith Earls believes he is shedding his utility tag as he plots his route to becoming Ireland's long-term successor to Brian O'Driscoll at outside centre.
Earls is the Six Nations' top try-scorer with three and has played at full-back, winger and outside centre, scoring six tries in nine Irish games.
"I'm enjoying playing on the wing but I also like playing at 13," said Earls.
"I was concerned by my versatility a few months back but hopefully in the future I'll be at 13," he added.
Earls will once again fill the number 11 jersey from where he has caused so much damage during this championship but hopes to eventually move up the threequarter line.
"The full-back thing has slipped away," said the Munster back.
"Luke Fitzgerald's injury gave me a chance on the left wing, while if Gordon D'Arcy or Brian O'Driscoll go off for Ireland, I can slot in at 13. I don't want the number 22 jersey anyhow."
The 22-year-old explains his emergence as a ruthless finisher at Test level by his growing comfort within the squad, leading to his stellar display in Saturday's 27-12 victory over Wales.
"I'm happy with my strike rate. It's over 50% which is great," he said.
"I feel like I've settled in now. I'm that bit more confident around the squad. It's good to be playing well and to be a regular this season. I'm more relaxed and there's a good buzz in training."
"I really enjoyed the Wales match. It was a great game to be involved in, especially after last year when it was a Grand Slam decider.
"There's a big rivalry between us so to get two tries and beat them the way we did was great.
"It was definitely my best game for Ireland. It was a big game in a major tournament so it was good to get on the scoreboard."
Ireland will claim their fifth Triple Crown in seven years if they beat the Scots but Earls has been reminded of the lean years.
Before 2004 Ireland had completed the clean sweep of the home nations on just five occasions with gaps of 49 and 33 years dividing other vintage seasons.
"To be in the position of challenging for a Triple Crown is surreal," he said.
"My father remembers 1985 and now I have a chance to go down in history as well. It's a brilliant feeling but it will be a tough day.
"The Triple Crown means a lot to (coach) Declan Kidney and the players. We'd be the best of the home nations and that's still a great achievement."
yip, 2/3 is definitely over 50%.scoring six tries in nine Irish games.
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"I'm happy with my strike rate. It's over 50% which is great,"
Glad you confirmed that Earls was right.What a gowl.WhiteKnightoftheWeld wrote:yip, 2/3 is definitely over 50%.scoring six tries in nine Irish games.
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"I'm happy with my strike rate. It's over 50% which is great,"
top marks for the munsterman
