Earls and Farrell should make Six Nations opener

Johann van Graan is optimistic both Keith Earls and Chris Farrell will prove their fitness for Ireland ahead of the Guinness Six Nations opener at home to Scotland in 12 days.

Wing Earls and centre Farrell, two of an eight-man Munster contingent set to link up with Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad this week ahead of the head coach’s maiden championship campaign, were ruled out of their province’s Heineken Champions Cup pool finale against Ospreys in Limerick yesterday.