One down, two to go, World Cup getting closer.
Ireland take on England in their final home World Cup wam-up match, and Keith Earls is set for his 100th Test cap. We’ve got all the big moments, reactions and Ireland player ratings from what should be a hotly contested affair.
Andy Farrell named his Ireland XV, on Thursday, and it was another strong selection. There was also a lot going on regarding Owen Farrell and the ban, no ban, possible ban saga, which his father called a ‘disgusting circus’.
Meanwhile, Peter O’Mahony has been getting choked up discussing what his Munster and Ireland teammate, and friend, Keith Earls getting to 100 caps means. “I’m sure his family will all be very proud of him,” he reflected, getting slightly teary-eyed.
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James Ryan on Ireland vs. England
Ahead of the match, Ireland captain James Ryan spoke about how the stakes are always higher against England.
“This has never been a warm-up game for us. It’s been very much a Test match, that’s the way we’ve prepared for this game all week,” he told reporters, at Aviva Stadium.
“It’s obviously a lot of the guys’ first appearance of the summer, so it’s going to be tough but we’re not going to make any excuses.
“We need to make sure that we take a step forward for the group and we put in a performance that will give us confidence with the World Cup coming around the corner quickly. We’ll definitely need to bring our A-game.”
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