Earls keen to take flight again following injury frustration

KEITH EARLS is relishing the opportunity to play in what he believes is an exciting back three against Italy this afternoon, as Ireland bid to take their plans for expansive rugby to the next level.

Munster's Earls will start on the left wing at Stadio Flaminio in Ireland's opening game of the RBS 6 Nations with Leinster's Fergus McFadden making his international debut on the right and Luke Fitzgerald, also of Leinster, at full-back.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said he has picked a back three “willing to take on the opposition” and Earls, who had once harboured hopes of playing full-back, believes he is in the right place to meet his coach's expectations.