Earls: Ireland won’t repeat World Cup mistakes

KEITH EARLS is convinced there will be no repeat of Ireland’s shambolic 2007 form in this year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

Munster’s rising star is untainted by criticism of Ireland’s poor form four years ago — he hadn’t yet made his international debut — but he is well aware that his senior colleagues want to put the entire debacle behind them.

Some of those involved in the ill-fated French odyssey even refer to it as “that tournament”, said Earls: “Generally, the lads don’t like to be reminded of it.”