Trimble comes of age for Ireland

ANDREW TRIMBLE got the best possible 21st birthday present yesterday when he was named in the Irish team to meet Australia at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

It’s just a month since he celebrated coming of age, but he enthused: “The timing is perfect. I’m delighted and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Trimble, a star of Ireland’s under 21 team over a couple of seasons, joins his former under-age colleague Tommy Bowe in the XV to meet the Wallabies, and they will also share a room in the build-up to the game.

“It’s great to get in, great to join up with Tommy again and he will have plenty words of advice for me, I’m sure, as to what I can expect. I’ve settled in well at training over the last couple of weeks, and all the boys have been great.”

Although he only learned of his selection yesterday morning, the events of the day before led him to believe he had a chance. “The way we trained on Monday gave me an inkling but I tried not to think about it too much.”

Trimble’s progress with Ulster this season has been remarkable, admitted Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan. “He has been right up there in terms of form. He’s big, strong, very good with ball in hand and he likes the defensive stuff as well,” said the coach.

Trimble wouldn’t disagree: “I started out on the wing with Ulster but moved into centre when Paul (Steinmetz) got injured. It’s where I enjoy playing most, although at this level I would play anywhere just to wear the jersey.”

Still, Trimble was surprised with the events of the year. “I set myself certain goals at the start of the season, and I suppose it would be fair to say that it was to break into the Ulster side and do my best to stay there. This has taken me a bit by surprise; I certainly didn’t anticipate getting a cap against Australia this early. Remember, I only made my debut for Ulster a couple of months ago, but now that I’ve been given the chance I’m looking forward to making the most of it. I’ll just keep pushing myself and see how good I can be.”

Trimble’s selection means Munster winger Anthony Horgan loses out, with Gordon D’Arcy moving to 12 and Shane Horgan to the right wing. Tommy Bowe also switches position from the right to the left wing.

O’Sullivan, in describing Trimble as the outstanding back in provincial rugby this season, had considered selecting Trimble for the New Zealand match. “I just didn’t think that last week would have been the best match to spring him in,” said the coach.