LIONS TOUR INTERVIEW WITH KEITH EARLS:KEITH EARLS has learnt the value of not trying to fast forward mentally and instead remaining in the present. It was a lesson painfully dispensed in the opening match of the Lions tour against the Royal XV in Rustenburg but like with all good players eager to improve, one the 21-year-old embraced.
The evidence of that maturity came with the inquiry as to whether he viewed today’s game against the Southern Kings as a potential stepping stone to a place in the squad for the first Test against the Springboks on Saturday.
It is not that he is unaware of the carrot but rather has a desire to stay rooted to the task in hand. “In that first game I probably tried to score off every ball and that was a mistake. I was trying to prove people wrong who suggested I was lucky to be on tour.
“I was nervous, too, which didn’t help but things went a little bit better against the Cheetahs because I just concentrated on doing the basics well. I have a game to play (today) and that’s my priority. There is no point looking ahead because it would only be a distraction.”
Earls has been handed the fullback role, having twice played previously in the centre. He scored a fine individual try in Bloemfontein, but last Saturday, a more stilted game plan and the cluttered midfield corridors weren’t conducive to showcasing his talent.
He’s looking forward to the challenge of playing at fullback, a role which Munster coach Tony McGahan introduced him to at the start of the season and one the Australian believes will be central to his immediate future. It was only an injury to Rua Tipoki that resulted in Earls switching to the centre position.
“I’d like to think that I’ll get a bit more space. That’s something I’d enjoy. I’ve said before that I don’t want to be seen as this utility back,” before pointing out that he has no problem in switching between the demands of centre and fullback.
He allowed himself a wry smile last Saturday when he ran out on to the pitch in Newlands for the game against Western Province, spotting in the corner of the ground a cluster of mates with whom he went to school.
He smiled: “It was one of the first things I noticed. I just saw the tricolours and these guys with their tops off.”
He is becoming more settled as the tour progresses, graduating from a wide-eyed, shy character to one who is comfortable in his surroundings.
That is reflected in his performances. One player who has facilitated that development is Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll.
“He is a player whom I admire and he’s been very good in helping me out, not just here but back home.
“To be honest I am still a little bit star struck in his company. It’d be tough for any player to get in (a team) ahead of Brian. My goal at the start of the season was to just get a few games with Munster never mind make my Ireland debut. This (the Lions tour) is just living a dream. I hope I’m a better player now.
“I think I have learned a lot and am really enjoying it now.”
The match against the Southern Kings may be his sole focus but, given what he has already achieved this season, nothing is impossible. He above anyone else knows that to be true.
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