These World Cup warm-up games can be largely meaningless at times, but Ireland's 29-10 over England today was far from that, with it being the occasion of Keith Earls' 100th cap for his country.
It was one of the more special centenary occasions, given the popularity of Earls within the squad, and he did not disappointment with his performance.
He was introduced off the bench in the second-half, and received the two biggest cheers of the night, first when he came onto the field, and then when he went over for Ireland's fifth try of the game after showing lovely acceleration to finish in the corner after a Bundee Aki assist.
After the game he gave a thoughtful interview, alongside his daughters, and spoke of the 'ups and downs' in his career, and his over-exuberant try scoring celebration:
It was a tough week, there was a lot of attention on the 100th cap. Look I'm delighted I've done it.
I think I've been waiting to get these two caps since the New Zealand tour, and to get it, the way it worked out in Dublin against England, there's no better way and very grateful to do it.
Keith Earls Caps Off His 100th Cap With Magnificent Try Against England
What a moment! What a finish!
Keith Earls’ day just gets better as he goes over in the corner to blow the roof off the Aviva Stadium. pic.twitter.com/owLTS6018i
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023
'No better way it worked out in Dublin against England' - Keith Earls on reaching the 100-cap milestone and scoring a try into the bargain @IrishRugby #rterugby #IRLvENG pic.twitter.com/hifFRMcLp9
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023
19 August 2023; Keith Earls of Ireland scores his side's fourth try during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Stephen Jones Takes Aim At Irish Fans Over Farrell And Steward Hits
"It was Bundee's pass," continued Earls.
"I'll give out to him for passing it a little bit hard for me, but it's just in them situations when you're running for the corner, there's no doubt so I have to dive, they could be coming in trying to push you into touch. Probably a bit over the top but I enjoyed it.
"It's crazy how long and the journey I'm after being on, more downs than ups, but the ups are certainly coming the last couple of months and that makes it all worthwhile.
"I'll enjoy tonight. I suppose the coaches have a tough job of selecting a 33 and look we'll just wait and see."
19 August 2023; The crowd applaud as Keith Earls of Ireland comes onto the pitch to earn his 100th cap during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
19 August 2023; Keith Earls of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's fourth try during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
SEE ALSO: England's World Cup Prep Thrown Into Further Disarray After Vunipola Red
