Lions dream becomes a reality for ecstatic Earls

KEITH EARLS still pinches himself every night to make sure he doesn’t wake up and find his rugby season was just an incredible dream. Having started the season with the aim of playing a few games for Munster, he will join eight other players making their British & Irish Lions debuts in Phokeng.

The Royal XV may not be the most difficult of opponents, but that is of no concern to the 21-year-old. The game represents the next stage in a career that is threatening to go stratospheric.

“Not in a million years did I think I’d be going on a Lions tour, yet here I am in Johannesburg preparing to play in the first game,” said Earls.

“It’s a dream come true. I haven’t even played a Six Nations game yet, but I’ll become a Lion on Saturday.

“My goal at the start of the season was just to get a few starts for Munster, and not even become a regular. And there were no thoughts about possibly playing for Ireland this quickly – it has been an incredible season.”

Lions Head Coach Ian McGeechan has paired Earls with the blockbusting Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts in a three quarter line that also boasts a back three from the Ospreys.

The young bucks in the Lions’ midfield have been given a chance to show what they can do while the old master, Brian O’Driscoll, gets the chance to rest his shoulder for a few more days.

“I grew up watching most of these players playing in the Six Nations and World Cups,” said Earls. “It’s a dream come true to be actually playing alongside them. I grew up with Paul O’Connell because he used to play with my Dad. He’s a man I would do anything for, so it’s great to have him captaining the side on my Lions debut. All the players have accepted me well, even though I’ve been carrying the Lion mascot around with me as the youngest player – that will change when Leigh Halfpenny joins us.”

While Roberts – “he’s built like a South African flanker” – will be a new centre partner, he will find plenty of familiar faces around him. Tommy Bowe will be on the wing, while Munster team mate Ronan O’Gara will be pulling the strings at No 10.

“I’m probably the wild card in the party. My aim is to train hard and give myself the chance to play in a Test match,” said Earls.

“There are good players around, like Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie, and I know it’s going to be tough. But I’m here to give it my best shot.

“My Dad has been on the phone and his advice was to go out to play my own game and relax. Just treat it like a week-in-week-out game and enjoy it.

“Playing for your country is the pinnacle for any player, but to be picked as one of the 37 best players from the Home Union is amazing.”

“It’s going to be an incredible day for Keith. I’ve known him for a long time,” said O’Connell. “He’s done really well since he came over here and what I like about him is he is massively enthusiastic. It is great to see the young guys with no fear, no worries. They just have to go out and play and enjoy themselves and, the more they do that, the better they will play.”