MUNSTER face the Ospreys this weekend is the semi final of the Rabodirect Pro12 League. The Munster men are looking to secure victory in the tie to keep alive their hopes of retaining their title which was their only piece of silverware last season. Ahead of the game this weekend, (kick off 19.35 on Friday night) Keith Earls was speaking about the clash with their Celtic rivals.
“This is the best part of the season, when you are in semi finals and finals. Hopefully we can do the business on Friday night and have a final to look forward to. It was tough to lose against Ulster. We have to switch our minds now the Pro 12 and we need to make sure we are ready for this weekend. These games are so hard because we know each other so well. There are loads of Ireland and Welsh internationals on the field, who were Lions together so you know them so well, it can be difficult to break them down.”
With Munster looking to finish the season on a high, Earls is already looking to impress his new boss Rob Penney. Earls knows that Casey Laulala and Penney have worked together before and that the number 13 jersey will be up for grabs once more. There is no doubting however, where Earls wants to play. Having played for Munster and Ireland on the wing in recent times.
“I was getting a bit worried with I heard we had signed Downey and Casey. (Laughs). I think the first day Rob gets here I will be knocking on his door telling him I want to play 13. (Grins)
No. I don’t want to play on the wing anymore. It is not my position and I don’t enjoy it there. Hopefully, I want to improve as a 13 and stop mixing and matching”.
There is of course a strong possibility that Earls could still feature for Ireland on the wing in New Zealand.
“I suppose getting selected is the first thing. If Deccie wants me to play on the wing, I will and have made my feelings known that I want to play in the centre. I have played there all this season and I feel I am getting better. Better defensively and more confident. I want to be a centre and I want to be the best centre in the World. I have performed in the centre when I have not been fit, so if and when I get fully fit, I want to burst onto the scene and stay there.”
Earls will make a starting return this weekend having come off the bench in the Pro12 game against Ulster. With the potential for the club season to be over after Friday night, Earls is looking to start this week on his quest to be the best.
Keith was speaking this week at the launch of the Lucozade Sports Club Crusade.
Clubs can enter the Club Crusade by logging onto www.lucozadesport.e and registering their team.
