Mix of pride and relief for Earls as veteran approaches century

Earls reached the 99-cap mark in the opening Summer Series game at home to Italy on August 7 and has since consulted current Ireland centurions including Cian Healy and captain Johnny Sexton. 

WINGMAN: Keith Earls. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Keith Earls is trying his hardest not to think about earning his 100th Test cap for Ireland this Saturday but the veteran winger admitted he is fighting a losing battle.

Ireland play their final game on home soil before next month’s Rugby World Cup when England visit Dublin’s Aviva Stadium for the second of three warm-up matches and Earls, 35, will play some part in a game when he will look to further his claims to a place in Andy Farrell’s 33-man tournament squad for what will be a fourth World Cup appearance.