Keith Earls

chupacabra

When D'Arcy went off today Earls moved to 13 and BOD went in to 12, this positional change worried me as we all know Earls has never had an assured game in defense when he played in the center.

However after todays performance i can honestly say that i think Earls/BOD should be a future partnership for Ireland. His Defense was immense today, he didn't miss a single tackle from my count and seemed to pop up all over the place when big tackles had to be made. He worked well with BOD inside him and this partnership directly led to his try from the tap and go by Tomás and there were a number of double tackles himself and BOD made that reminded me of the usual BOD/D'Arcy brick wall defense we are used to seeing.

He was easily in the running for MOTM and is looking like one of the players of the tournament so far and with 3 tries in 4 games (when you consider the amount of positional changes he has had to make) he is showing the lethal finishing ability that BOD showed when he was his age.

I know there are detractors of the idea of BOD at 12 and Earls at 13, and for good reason. But i think against scotland it wouldn't hurt to give this combination a full 80 minute game.

Your thoughts?

CatFromHue

its funny after he scored his second try he was injured and was eventually replaced by o gara.

i like him though and he seems a great finisher, kinda a soloist.

it remains to be seen can he bring other players into play by giving a killer pass. he was able to chip ahead for others to run on to. thats a compliment on his vision!

also i noticed that he went to inside center once or twice when it was himself and o driscoll at center.

He was great today all right.
I dunno about him at centre,for me currently Darcy is superior to him in every way apart from speed,if any change was to take place I would move Bod to 12 and Darcy to 13,its Darcys better/prefered position.

Keith today showed why he went on the Lions though,he is class in front of the line,the worry you would have with him is when we arent on the front foot like when we were against France.He is small in stature and unfortunately in the modern game that does make a difference.

We may aswell keep playing him on the wing,its all a great experience for him and will aid his development.We have himself,Bowe and Fitz who all like the centre position,so at least we have some options for the future.

I would have no problems playing him at centre against scotland,although i dont really see what difference it would make.We have a better player to play there and you have to move Bod to accomodate him.

I like the way they are blooding him in.

EDIT:Is there anyone who doesnt like Earlsy,what a legend.Seems like a real nice guy.

Gooses delicious backline post 2011 wc:
15-Kearney
14-Conway
13-Earls
12-Bowe
11-Fitz

Oh its sublime

Side note did anyone see Conways gas yesterday,wtf.
The Irish habana,he is the quickest white player I have ever seen no joke.

thomond2006

I thought he had a smashing game, since he came into the Ireland set-up he has really improved. He has a better kicking game and is running superb lines like Bowe (see first try).

Bugnug

Wales were atrocious yesterday. Earls took his tries well but one of them was with Lee Byrne in the bin and the second one the welsh had given up. He is a decent player still not as good as Fitz or Darcy. Finishes well when Ireland are on the front foot but very suspect vision. That head down and go for it will only work against poor teams, Figi, Wales etc.

twinytwo

Bugnug wrote: »

Wales were atrocious yesterday. Earls took his tries well but one of them was with Lee Byrne in the bin and the second one the welsh had given up. He is a decent player still not as good as Fitz or Darcy. Finishes well when Ireland are on the front foot but very suspect vision. That head down and go for it will only work against poor teams, Figi, Wales etc.

Your having a laugh.. Earls was excellent yesterday. Are you honestly using lee byrne not being on the pitch as an excuse for him scoring?... suspect vision?.. were we watching the same game?

Bugnug

twinytwo wrote: »

Your having a laugh.. Earls was excellent yesterday. Are you honestly using lee byrne not being on the pitch as an excuse for him scoring?... suspect vision?.. were we watching the same game?

Yes I was watching the game and all of the other games thats why I can see that he has very poor vision. Jamie Heaslip was screaming for the ball on Earls shoulder in the first half against France and he failed to get the ball away. The guy finshed a couple of tries well against a very very poor welsh side. Give me one example of Earls putting somebody away yesterday in a key attacking position? If you want vision watch O Driscoll or Sexton put people away. Anybody that knows anything about the game is pointing out that Earls big deficit is vision and defence.

Micky Dolenz

Bugnug wrote: »

Anybody that knows anything about the game is pointing out that Earls big deficit is vision and defence.

the Lions management must have missed that memo.

Co45

Bugnug wrote: »

Anybody that knows anything about the game is pointing out that Earls big deficit is vision and defence.

No worse vision than that of D'arcy in fairness. He needs to work on defence though.

Bugnug

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

the Lions management must have missed that memo.

Micky I think everybody in the rugby world including Earls himself was shocked at that selection. Did you see his performance on the tour? Thanks for reinforcing my point.:rolleyes:

Bugnug

Co45 wrote: »

No worse vision than that of D'arcy in fairness. He needs to work on defence though.

Is that the same Darcy that has played inside the BOD the centre that has scored more tries than any other rugby centre? Does anybody on this thread know what they are talking about?

Oafley Jones

Co45 wrote: »

No worse vision than that of D'arcy in fairness. He needs to work on defence though.

Successful Troll is successful. Straight into the trap Co45.

Micky Dolenz

Bugnug wrote: »

Micky I think everybody in the rugby world including Earls himself was shocked at that selection. Did you see his performance on the tour? Thanks for reinforcing my point.:rolleyes:

Earls has been on tour with the Lions, scored 6 tries in 9 internationals and over 10 tries for the top seeded team in European rugby.

Not bad for a 22 year old.

But you'll always have the nay sayers.

PhatPiggins

Bugnug wrote: »

Yes I was watching the game and all of the other games thats why I can see that he has very poor vision. Jamie Heaslip was screaming for the ball on Earls shoulder in the first half against France and he failed to get the ball away. The guy finshed a couple of tries well against a very very poor welsh side. Give me one example of Earls putting somebody away yesterday in a key attacking position? If you want vision watch O Driscoll or Sexton put people away. Anybody that knows anything about the game is pointing out that Earls big deficit is vision and defence.

Are you still standing over the ridiculous claim you made a few months ago that Keith Earls wont go to the 2011 WC ?

Co45

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Successful Troll is successful. Straight into the trap Co45.

Don't think he was trolling to be honest. Earls occasionally doesn't see whats around him but to me hes no worse than D'arcy in regards to this. His defence up until yesterday has always been a problem however he seems to be addressing this.

Bugnug has been an Earls hater since day one, and wont come round to believing the guy has the goods. Let him have his opinion though, its not up to us to say that he's right or wrong, an opinion is an opinion, and should be treated as such.

I personally was delighted to see Earls have a big game yesterday. He is really filling out a the green Jersey, and Ireland can only benefit from players staking big claims for inclusion in every squad.

How impressive would it be if we had 2 maybe even 3 players in each position who could do a great job for us in the WC. This is essential, as injuries and knocks and niggles will unfortunately happen, and we'll need cover.

I'm happy to say Earls did great at 13 yesterday, and is certainly a viable option in the role

thebaz

great player who played well yesterday - I do think he needs to find a settled position - i think a centre position is opening up beside BOD - Darcy is nearing the end - and i think its between Earls and Fitzgerald to become BOD's last partner

Amazotheamazing

Co45 wrote: »

Don't think he was trolling to be honest. Earls occasionally doesn't see whats around him but to me hes no worse than D'arcy in regards to this. His defence up until yesterday has always been a problem however he seems to be addressing this.

Earls does need to be more aware of the players around him, I think it's the largest weakness left in his game, however, he's improved beyond all recognition in the last 24 months. He has a lot of work to do, but he's shown he can improve rapidly.

Earls is a lethal finisher though, can play (and has played) 11 to 15 in his senior career to date, we should be glad to see him come through. It's his first 6 nations, and he's probalby in the running for the young player of the Championship.

thebaz

thebaz wrote: »

great player who played well yesterday - I do think he needs to find a settled position - i think a centre position is opening up beside BOD - Darcy is nearing the end - and i think its between Earls and Fitzgerald to become BOD's last partner

D'Arcy is younger than BOD, I would expect him to have a year or two more (than BOD) in the tank

Amazotheamazing

Deleted User wrote: »

D'Arcy is younger than BOD, I would expect him to have a year or two more (than BOD) in the tank

He might, but with Fitz and Earls coming through, will he still get games for Ireland?

Amazotheamazing

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

He might, but with Fitz and Earls coming through, will he still get games for Ireland?

I hope he can keep performing to the level that he has been. Quite simply, I have no issue with him being dropped if there are better replacements, but he is the #12 of choice for good reason.

I'd love other players to have a really good go at it though.

Also, we cant write anyone off due to age, if you've been watching Leinster games this season, Shane Horgan has been playing his best rugby in years.

irishbucsfan

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

He might, but with Fitz and Earls coming through, will he still get games for Ireland?

He's a far better player than either of those IMO, he's one of the best in the world.

I think either Earls or Fitzgerald will start on the left wing and the other one will sit on the bench, which would be fantastic.

thomond2006

Bugnug wrote: »

Micky I think everybody in the rugby world including Earls himself was shocked at that selection. Did you see his performance on the tour? Thanks for reinforcing my point.:rolleyes:

lol a certain IRB World Player of the Year had a far worse tour than Earls...

Risteard

thomond2006 wrote: »

lol a certain IRB World Player of the Year had a far worse tour than Earls...

McCaw?

wixfjord

Maddux Colossal Train wrote: »

He was great today all right.
I dunno about him at centre,for me currently Darcy is superior to him in every way apart from speed,if any change was to take place I would move Bod to 12 and Darcy to 13,its Darcys better/prefered position.

Keith today showed why he went on the Lions though,he is class in front of the line,the worry you would have with him is when we arent on the front foot like when we were against France.He is small in stature and unfortunately in the modern game that does make a difference.

We may aswell keep playing him on the wing,its all a great experience for him and will aid his development.We have himself,Bowe and Fitz who all like the centre position,so at least we have some options for the future.

I would have no problems playing him at centre against scotland,although i dont really see what difference it would make.We have a better player to play there and you have to move Bod to accomodate him.

I like the way they are blooding him in.

EDIT:Is there anyone who doesnt like Earlsy,what a legend.Seems like a real nice guy.

Gooses delicious backline post 2011 wc:
15-Kearney
14-Conway
13-Earls
12-Bowe
11-Fitz

Oh its sublime

Side note did anyone see Conways gas yesterday,wtf.
The Irish habana,he is the quickest white player I have ever seen no joke.

See Goose's post RWC Irish backline and I....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLnWf1sQkjY

thomond2006

Risteard wrote: »

McCaw?

No. Shane Williams, IRB World Player of the Year 2008.

thebaz

Deleted User wrote: »

D'Arcy is younger than BOD, I would expect him to have a year or two more (than BOD) in the tank

i don't think its down to just age - rugby is so physical now , that someone like O'Driscoll is an exception - just think D'Arcy is nearing the end - BOD is just BOD

Risteard

thomond2006 wrote: »

No. Shane Williams, IRB World Player of the Year 2008.

Oh, Ok. I figured you were talking about last year's player of the year.

Amazotheamazing

Deleted User wrote: »

I hope he can keep performing to the level that he has been. Quite simply, I have no issue with him being dropped if there are better replacements, but he is the #12 of choice for good reason.

I'd love other players to have a really good go at it though.

Also, we cant write anyone off due to age, if you've been watching Leinster games this season, Shane Horgan has been playing his best rugby in years.

I'm not writing D'Arcy off and certainly not due to his age, I just think it's possible our best backline in the RWC will be BOD at 12, Earls at 13, Fitz and Bowe on the wings and Kearney at fullback. It could be a disaster, but I think BOD has the playmaking genius to get the best out of that backline from 12. I'd see Fitz and Earls interchanging for certain moves, bring Fitz in to 13 for his stepping, and swap Earls to the wing for his pace from 20 m's out.

bleg

Bugnug wrote: »

Give me one example of Earls putting somebody away yesterday in a key attacking position?

wallace down the left wing

twinytwo

Bugnug wrote: »

Yes I was watching the game and all of the other games thats why I can see that he has very poor vision. Jamie Heaslip was screaming for the ball on Earls shoulder in the first half against France and he failed to get the ball away. The guy finshed a couple of tries well against a very very poor welsh side. Give me one example of Earls putting somebody away yesterday in a key attacking position? If you want vision watch O Driscoll or Sexton put people away. Anybody that knows anything about the game is pointing out that Earls big deficit is vision and defence.

And earls said afterwards that he didnthear heaslip calling for the pass which happens

Co45

thomond2006 wrote: »

No. Shane Williams, IRB World Player of the Year 2008.

Not really a valid point as Shane Williams had been poor all season not just for the Lions. Indeed many said he shouldn't even make the 22 before they left for South Africa.

keane2097

bleg wrote: »

wallace down the left wing

The kick and chase down the line where Lee Byrne jumped into touch was great vision and execution as well.

Co45

keane2097 wrote: »

The kick and chase down the line where Lee Byrne jumped into touch was great vision and execution as well.

Don't think that was great vision to be honest as most players do that in that situation. Great execution though.
Also the putting Wallace in space down the left wing instead of kicking was more Sexton's decision as he decided to throw it out wide to Earls rather than kick.

PhatPiggins

Co45 wrote: »

Don't think that was great vision to be honest as most players do that in that situation. Great execution though.
Also the putting Wallace in space down the left wing instead of kicking was more Sexton's decision as he decided to throw it out wide to Earls rather than kick.

And Earls decision to put Wallace in space was easily as good. Plenty of outside backs would ahve kicked through when they saw only a forward outside them.

tHE vAGGABOND

We are going to have some good decisions to make next year with all these guys fit, Luke Fitz back and the one or two young fellas who look like the real deal right behind them!

A good first choice backline [whatever it may be] and two or three genuine game changing lads on the bench - something Ireland have never really had in the backs, and just what we need in a world cup year.

Yay!

Any veiled munster v leinster bullsh1t on here should be an instant ban, its all good for Irish rugby, and thats what counts!

danthefan

Earls did very well yesterday, hopefully he keeps improving.

daveharnett

Impressed yesterday, he's play is getting smarter and more physical all the time, and his kicking has come on in leaps and bounds this season.

I was initially surprised to that hear the likes of pope rating him as a future centre rather than a wing/fb, but i'm coming around to the idea. His pace and balance frightens defenders. As his timing and decision making improves, he's going to make an awful lot of space for the players around him.

Benny Cake

IMO the only "lack of vision" is that which is being demonstrated by some of the posters here...... Earls is a huge prospect with the potential to be a real star for Ireland. Mcgahan, Kidney & Mcgeechan have all shown confidence in him, maybe we should all follow suit.....

Remmy

He is a great player and he had a cracking match yesterday.

anonymous_joe

I don't rate Earls as a full back, I think he's too short to be a winger given the way the game's gone (kicking and all that ****e), but I've always maintained he's got immense talent.

He plays so much better at centre. So so much better.

He looked a bit shaky I thought as the game started, but he finished it after a magnificent game.

Co45

Look at this for a future backline


10.Sexton
11.Conway
12.Fitzgerald
13.Earls
14.Bowe
15.Kearney

That is probably going to be the most creative (other than Kearney) backline we will ever have. Honestly, I am very excited.

flutered

say what you like about him, you have to admit he has toe, the most important asset of a back.

danthefan

flutered wrote: »

say what you like about him, you have to admit he has toe, the most important asset of a back.

What now?

Mr.Applepie

I think I said this on the match thread but I'll say it again

I have always thought (and still do) that Earls is still to light to be a world class international centre. I think he needs to bulk up a bit or he will get run over. I'm not trying to put the guy down or anything, I think he has serious potential and is still very young. I don't bulking up when you are to young is extremely detrimental.

I played very well yesterday and was my MOTM. He did however have BOD alongside him who I think protected him from Roberts charges. There were a couple of times when you could see Roberts charging at Earls only for BOD to pop up with a tackle

chupacabra

His most important contribution to the game yesterday (aside from his tries) was his defense. Think when halfpenny broke down the left wing, Earls on the back foot matched him for pace and made a fingertips tackle that certainly saved a try. And he was making these tackles all over the place, ive never seen a more commited defense from him. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

jayteecork

Never been an Earls fan be I admit he played well yesterday. Against misfiring opposition however.

He's a bit like Shane Williams. Looks amazing on hs day but is very often exposed as being under-physical when tough oppoistion target him.

bleg

If he scores as many tries as Williams I'll take that.

profitius

Lads, hes not that small! He's over 14st and very powerful.

In terms of talent he is in another class to D'Arcy and most other players. He seemed to be the only player who could kick the ball yesterday.

danthefan

profitius wrote: »

Lads, hes not that small! He's over 14st and very powerful.

In terms of talent he is in another class to D'Arcy and most other players. He seemed to be the only player who could kick the ball yesterday.

He is in his backside. I've no problem giving credit where it's due but the bolded bit is complete nonsense.

stephen_n

profitius wrote: »

Lads, hes not that small! He's over 14st and very powerful.

In terms of talent he is in another class to D'Arcy and most other players. He seemed to be the only player who could kick the ball yesterday.

He has potential but to say that a player only starting out at international level is in another class to some one like Darcy is either completely naive or completely stupid. If Earls fulfills his obvious talent then he may come up to the class of Darcy but one game doesn't make that!