The stars align and applaud for inspirational Earls

Keith Earls joined the centurion club on Saturday in what he said 'the worst week of my life' in the lead up.  

ONE HUNDRED AND COUNTING: Keith Earls earned his 100th cap for Ireland and topped it off with a well worked try in the corner. A perfect way to celebrate after a week of attention the Limerick man usually keeps in the background from. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Danny Care stands just 5’ 8”, Marcus Smith can claim an extra inch. Freddie Steward is a different beast at an imposing 6’ 5”. Add the three together and it makes for 43 stone of prime English beef that careered Keith Earls’ way late on Saturday evening.

The 35-year old Ireland winger had work to do as that desperate, chasing posse closed in some time around 7.30pm, their haste prompted by Bundee Aki’s long, fizzing pass that arced half the width of the Aviva Stadium field towards the isolated winger on the home team’s left touchline.