Earls Selected Because He Deserves To Be – Kidney

“He’s getting picked because he deserves to be picked” was Declan Kidney’s simple explanation for handing Keith Earls his senior international debut against The Canadians on Saturday.

As for the man himself he admitted he was pleasantly surprised when the team was read out. “Yes I was surprised when I heard I was in the starting XV. I was hoping really that I would get into the 22 but Declan has shown great trust in me and chosen me the full back spot. It’s an  absolute dream come through to get my first senior cap in a ground near where I grew up.  A place just a couple of  minutes from my own house. That makes it that extra bit special and yes, ” he added with a smile, ” I think now there will be a lot more demand on me this week for tickets.”

When the coach was asked to assess the debutant he said, “Has been working away in the professional game for the past two, two and a half years, and doing very well. He looks to have been enjoying himself in training. He has a few attributes but let’s let him get this game on Saturday under his belt and then we can talk about those then.

“He’s come into the line at good times. His lines of running have been good, The speed he’s shown been good. His kicking game’s been good. So look, he’s getting picked because he deserves to be picked. But we’ll try not to make it harder for him rather than building it up.” 

The question of what is Earls’ best position has been the subject of much debate but the young Limeric man’s response to that is, “I’ll let others talk about. I’d play in the front row if it meant playing for my country.”

Meanwhile, the IRFU have announced that a limited ampunt of tickets are available for Saturday’s game.  Tickets can be purchased from the Munster Branch ticket offices in Thomond Park and Musgrave Park and are open each day until Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will also be a limited amount of tickets available on the day of the game from 12:30pm at the West side of the Stadium, but fans are encouraged to get their tickets in advance of the game to avoid disappointment for what promises to be a cracking game to kick off the international season.

Ticket prices – Stand tickets – €40/€32; Terrace tickets – €25.

Bus Eireann are providing a shuttle bus service to Thomond Park on Saturday for a nominal fee.  The shuttle will depart from Harvey’s Quay Dunnes Stores on Henry Street and the service will commence at 3.15pm.

Canada: James Pritchard (Bedford Blues); Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers), Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians), Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish), Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion); Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy), Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates); Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors), Pat Riordan (University of Victoria Vikings) capt, Jon Thiel (Bayside Sharks); Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates), Josh Jackson (Bordeaux Begles); Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion), Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria Vikings), Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins). Replacements: Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians), Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC), Tyler Hotson (Eastern Suburbs, Australia), Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers), Morgan Williams (James Bay Athletic Association), Matt Evans (Hartpury College), Phil Mackenzie (University of Victoria Vikings)