Earls is hoping to keep his place

Keith Earls is eager to keep his place in Ireland's line-up for the clash with South Africa at Croke Park next Saturday following a two-try performance in the 41-6 victory over Fiji.

He would like nothing better having toured South Africa with the Lions.

Not everything went as he had hoped in his five Lions appearances, but his final outing against the Emerging Springboks saw the 22-year-old Munster player score the type of try which demonstrated his immense potential.

Predictably, he is taking nothing for granted but everything suggests that Earls will continue to feature on the Irish left wing.

He said: 'I would love to get an opportunity against the best team in the world. The Lions tour was disappointing in the end, losing two Tests, but we know they are there to be beaten. France defeated them last week, so it should be a good challenge.

'We just have to relax as we did against Fiji, take it as it comes. It's going to be good.'

Now that Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out for the season, Irish coach Declan Kidney must be delighted with the way Earls has settled in on the left wing.

His two efforts against Fiji were beautifully taken, bringing his try tally to an impressive three in just four outings for Ireland.

Yet the versatile Munster man is not currently playing in his preferred position.

He said: 'I'm just happy to be in the starting XV, but I don't want to be known as a utility back. My preference is for outside centre or full-back.

'All I can do is to perform as well as I can, irrespective of what position I'm asked to play.'

He certainly did so against Fiji, taking a pass from scrum-half Eoin Reddan to cross under the posts for the first try. He was then at the end of a flowing move to go over for his second after the interval.

Nevertheless there was only one real contender for the man-of-the-match award and that was Jonathan Sexton.

The Leinster man marked a wonderful debut by contributing 16 points, landing seven out of seven kicks in dreadful conditions.

Earls was impressed, saying: 'That was an outstanding performance, I'm delighted for him. He has waited a long time for his chance.

'I think he was a slight bit nervous. He didn't get to sleep until three o'clock in the morning and ended up getting a sleeping tablet, but it didn't bother him.'

Sexton was playing on his home ground at the RDS and the familiar surroundings will have helped, Earls suggested.

Earls said: 'Definitely. I should know because I made my debut on my home ground at Thomond Park, it's a lot easier when you are in front of your home fans.

'He was spot-on, it was a perfect performance. He attacked like a full-back as well, he's also a good running threat.'

Ireland and Lions number eight Jamie Heaslip was also full of praise for Sexton on his debut, commenting: 'He's done what everyone should do, he's put his hand up and taken his chance. He just ran the show from the start, and he led by example. It makes for great competition in the squad.'