Easterby given nod over Best

A LITTLE bit of local knowledge can go a long way and that was enough for Eddie O’Sullivan to give Simon Easterby the nod over a very unfortunate Neil Best at blind-side flanker yesterday.

Though the Llanelli forward started Ireland’s last game against the Pacific Islanders in November, he had previously played second fiddle to Best in the key ties against South Africa and Australia.

Against the Wallabies in particular, the Ulsterman was a revelation but a combination of form, lineout ability and Easterby’s familiarity with Sunday’s foe was enough to edge him into the number six jersey in Cardiff.

“I’m delighted to get the nod ahead of Neil Best,” said the 31-year old yesterday. “It was a close call in the autumn and I think it was the same again this time around. With the selection comes that added pressure of having to perform, but I’m ready for that.”

Though educated in England’s Ampleforth College and playing for Ireland, Easterby understands enough Welsh to discern between any lineout calls made in the local lingo and it was that “minutiae” according to O’Sullivan that swung the vote in his favour.

“There’s plenty I know about some of their players, especially their half-backs., although it depends on their selection. I obviously play with certain players and I play against the rest of them regularly. I know a lot about the Welsh team.”

Admitting that Best has reason to feel a little hard done by, Easterby’s cause was helped in no small part by Ulster’s travails over the past two months that saw a promising Heineken Cup campaign wither on the vine while his own club’s flourished. “I’ve been fortunate to be playing in a very strong Llanelli side,” said Easterby.