Easterby tips ‘stronger’ Ireland to reach next level

SIMON EASTERBY believes Ireland has a better-balanced squad than that which contested the World Cup in Australia four years ago.

The Ireland flanker, who led the Llanelli Scarlets to the Heineken Cup semi-finals admitted: “The gap is closing between the strongest and the weakest players. Across the board the competition is a lot stronger. That can only be good, that can only push the side on to hopefully achieve better than we did four years ago.”

Easterby is fully rested and rejuvenated after a heavy season for club and country.