Earls' withdrawal adds to Irish woes

IRELAND'S hopes of securing an historic first victory over the All Blacks suffered yet another blow when Keith Earls withdrew from the tour to New Zealand and Australia. Earls joins the long list of Irish casualties after being forced to concede defeat in his struggle against a persistent groin injury, with Gavin Duffy of Connacht taking his place in the squad.

The 22-year-old Lion is the fourth player over the last seven days to see his tour aspirations dashed before even boarding the plane for New Zealand, which departs today. Paul O'Connell, Rory Best and Kevin McLaughlin had already withdrawn while Test regulars Stephen Ferris, Denis Leamy and Luke Fitzgerald did not make the original 33-man squad because of injury problems.