Ronan O'Gara's weekly missive from the French capital was published in the Irish Examiner today. A typically entertaining, nickname heavy ramble, today's column discusses the maverick talents of Keith Earls and Simon Zebo. Joe Schmidt has been hesitant about embracing the latter as an option on the wing, while injuries have meant the former hasn't figured at all.
But O'Gara is adamant that Keith Earls is the best possible replacement for you know who at no.13. Acknowledging that some would doubt that contention - even in Munster - he insists that Earls could be the man for the outside centre berth.
Keith Earls will be back on a pitch near you in the new year... He is the one person who has schooled Brian O’Driscoll in training throughout his career. He has the speed, the agility, the balance, the step, the acceleration. Defensively in the 13 channel, it’s as much about technique as it is size.
Schooled! Learned him I swear. High praise indeed. With Henshaw and Madigan and Payne being the three most cited names, O'Gara has reminded everyone that Earls could be a contender for the no.13 spot.
You can read the rest of the Earls column here.
