Contemplative Earls admits it’s good to talk

Here’s a thought. Keith Earls has featured in almost three-quarters of the 50 games in which Declan Kidney has held the reigns for Ireland and yet the man from Moyross hasn’t played more than four-in-a-row with the same number on his back.

That goes a long way to explaining why Earls has yet to solidify his place in the first XV five years after his debut against Canada at Thomond Park and four since playing five times and scoring twice for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa. He has managed that four-game streak three times in all, most recently during the last Six Nations when he deputised for Brian O’Driscoll at 13. His previous two residencies in the team for that length of time came while stationed on the left wing.

And therein lies the rub.