Keith Earls has been forced to withdraw from Ireland's RBS 6 Nations opening match against Wales at Aviva Stadium on Sunday.
Earls was originally selected to start at outside-centre but has been forced to opt out for family reasons.
His place in the team will be taken by Fergus McFadden with Dave Kearney, brother of starting full-back Rob, coming into the squad.
team manager Michael Kearney this afternoon. "Unfortunately Keith's baby has been taken ill and is in hospital as we speak. The nature of the illness is unclear, however I did speak to Keith this morning and he was hopeful and optimistic that the baby would get home some time over the weekend.
"The decision was taken following a conversation with Declan (Kidney) and Keith yesterday and it was thought that it was in the best interests of Keith and his partner Edel and their families that Keith remains in Limerick for the weekend."
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obviously we wish the best to Earls and his Family
Earls forced to pull out of Ireland team
posted on 4/2/12
While Wales pull off a couple of miracles and players who couldn't walk are now running, jumping, kicking and tackling! Allelulia brother!
posted on 4/2/12
Mmaaxx, you mean Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Lloyd Burns, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones and Dan Lydiate? Oh, you just mean Jamie Roberts, who had 6 weeks to recuperate, and Priestland who was stated to be touch and go. I don't see what all the fireworks is about.
Anyway, on to the topic, I wish Earls' nipper a speedy recovery. I think alot of people would say McFadden should have had the 13 shirt anyway though.
posted on 4/2/12
Yes Gecko.
Indeed their will be many not least myself who will be happy to see McFadden in the 13 jersey.
The irish media have been hyping up the "who will get the 13 jersey" for weeks! and it seemed rather stupid to me.
Because they have made into a bigger issue then it needed to be. The simple fact is they have heaped pressure on the person who fills BOD's shoes, and then DK went an choose Earls. While McFadden has already replaced BOD at leinster he would not feel so much pressure it really seemed like a stupid choice from DK (to me)
Now all that said i dont want to put Earls down but thats the way i see it. and also Earls played his WC games on the wing where he scored 5 try's in 5 games.
Further adding to the theory that moving him to 13 for ireland was not smart.
Also Gecko on the point made by Maxx. Well mate, you know its understandable that we question this. Gatland is well known for flying kites of deception regarding who is injured and who is fit. Even in this case where it all seems to have been legit, its understandable that people question it. I believe it was SARS who made the reference to the boy who cried wolf. and Gatland is being questioned now because he used this tactic in the past to keep the opposition guessing.
Anyway, looks like it will be a great game and while i feel sorry for earls, the fact that Roberts is back means we need a better defender in the middle so its good that McFadden is in.
posted on 4/2/12
I think too much is being made of the injuries being publicised. For each time a player or position is named doubtful but makes the matchday squad, there's probably another time they've delayed naming him and he's not been fit. Wales don't have the strength in depth or resilience that some teams have (the number of front row injuries we get is amazing) and so we'll delay naming the team to give critical players till the last minute to prove their fitness. Ireland do this with BOD all the time. England probably don't need to, because they've got plenty of backup in the EPS/Saxons squad who aren't that far away from the 1st choice anyway. But even NZ do it if it's McCaw or Carter and it's a must-win game.
If you want to call Gatland on something, it's got to be his stupid wind-up tactics that just embarrass him, us, and give the opposition ammunition to throw back at us. Thankfully he's not given too many gems lately but he'll probably let something slip for the England game.
Yeah, I have to say I was licking my lips at the prospect of Roberts running at Earls. I think McFadden will serve your midfield better in this respect.
The scrum should be an interesting battle. And back-row as ever.
posted on 4/2/12
Oh Gecko, the back row is lip licking stuff
But i fear warburton. he's just a really really genuine, pill pinching openside. an outstanding player. And from our point of view we dont have a genuine openside. We have a 6 in the 7 position and another 6 at 6.
Thats were we will miss BOD who hit the ruck like a 7 and stole the ball a lot.