Six Nations: New dad Keith Earls fills in for Brian O’Driscoll

KEITH Earls will fill some of the biggest boots in world rugby, despite having his preparations for Ireland’s RBS Six Nations opener interrupted by the birth of his first child.

Earls will start at outside centre against Wales in Dublin on Sunday, with Brian O’Driscoll out for the entire championship after shoulder surgery.

The 24-year-old’s selection in a position O’Driscoll has occupied with such distinction since 1999 comes just days after his partner Edel McGee gave birth to a baby girl, Ella-Maye. Earls returns to the Irish camp tonight after playing only a limited role in training for the past week.

And coach Declan Kidney said: “There are a lot of things happening for Keith at the moment and he’s buzzing so we’ve tried to give him a bit of space. We must remember these guys are people first and players second.

“When something like this happens in your life it’s only right that you’re given some space. If it’s your first you’re inclined to take a day or two to enjoy it. Maybe if it’s your fifth or sixth you wouldn’t be taking the day off!”

Fergus McFadden, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble were also in the frame to partner Gordon D’Arcy in midfield but, in recent weeks, Earls, Ireland’s leading try-scorer at the last World Cup, has played at 13 for Munste.

“Keith is looking forward to it and has played well there for Munster,” added Kidney. “Players just want to play so they know they need to adapt. Keith’s had a lot of time at 13 and is comfortable there.”

The in-form Trimble has been selected on the left wing with Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray the preferred half-backs. Sexton has edged out the more experienced Ronan O’Gara, who must settle for the bench.

In total there are only three changes, one positional, to the side defeated 22-10 by Wales in the World Cup quarter-final. The pack is identical to the eight that suffered heartache in Wellington with Donncha O’Callaghan holding off the challenge of Donnacha Ryan in the second row. The only debutant is Munster back row Peter O’Mahony, who features on the bench.

Kidney is sure to be criticised for what will be perceived by some as a conservative selection but said: “I respect everybody’s view. This team is everybody’s team, people talk about who should and who shouldn’t be playing.

“Players need to work their way into the team. All the guys picked have worked hard to get into the team. We had a disappointing match on our last day out, but one bad game doesn’t make you a bad team.

“Wales played very well that day and, if we play the same way on Sunday, then it will be the same result.

“Wales are a very good side – you don’t get to the World Cup semi-finals if you’re not.

“Listening to all the noises they making, they’re purring at the moment.”

Wales, who are waiting for injury updates on key players Rhys Priestland, Dan Lydiate and Jamie Roberts, will name their team on Friday for the showdown at the Aviva Stadium.