Kidney gives Earls his chance

A FIRST RBS Six Nations start for Keith Earls but Donncha O’Callaghan is again ruled out while serious doubts concern Stephen Ferris. These were the keynote developments from yesterday’s announcement of the Irish team to face France at Stade de France on Saturday.

Earls is in on the left wing for Andrew Trimble, who though troubled by hamstring could find a place on the bench. Leo Cullen continues in the second-row after O’Callaghan’s attempt to recover from a knee injury proved fruitless while a vacancy has been left at number six where Kevin McLaughlin will stand in for Ferris should the need arise.

No doubt, supporters of Trimble, especially those north of the border, will be unhappy at their man’s omission given that he played a major part in Jamie Heaslip’s try against the Italians last week. However Earls was unfortunate to be omitted Saturday and considering his talents it is not surprising he received the call from Declan Kidney.