Vaunted Australian backline holds no fear for Earls

FROM dealing with American speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya to lining up against Australia’s all star backline, Keith Earls is certainly getting his hands dirty in his debut World Cup.

But the Munster flyer believes Ireland’s backline is a match for anyone.

Earls did enough with ball in hand against the United States last Sunday in New Plymouth to keep his place on the left wing for Saturday’s showdown with Pool C favourites and Tri Nations champions Australia at Eden Park, keeping Andrew Trimble on the bench for the second week in a row to form a back-three partnership with incoming full-back Rob Kearney and right wing Tommy Bowe.