New Ireland centurion Keith Earls was delighted to mark his big day with a magic moment – and in doing so he also helped his case to add to his 100 caps at the upcoming World Cup as Ireland defeated England 29-10.
Earls received a hero's reception when introduced in the second half, but that ovation was nothing compared to the roar that reverberated around the Aviva Stadium when he received a Bundee Aki pass and dotted down with some style in the 73rd minute.
"It was a tough week I suppose with all the attention on the 100th cap but look, I’m delighted I’ve done it," Ireland’s ninth centurion told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
"I tried to get my wife and kids to stay away and just stay in the background, but they told me I’d regret it – I’m happy I’ve done it now and it all worked out well.
"I think I've been waiting to get these two caps since the New Zealand tour. To get it the way it worked out, in Dublin against England, there’s no better way. I’m very grateful to do it."
Here comes the centurion. Keith Earls receives a thunderous ovation as he replaces James Lowe to make his 100th appearance for Ireland. pic.twitter.com/x0NrFhhJhO
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023
Earls’ career has been blighted by injury and a troublesome hamstring limited his 2022 participation before adding two more caps in that summer’s tour of New Zealand.
The 100 mark was so close, but a series of further injuries left him sidelined and wondering would he ever achieve it throughout the early part of 2023. But he started the Summer Nations Series opener against Italy and came in as a replacement against England.
"It’s crazy how long the journey has become, having been on more downs than ups. I think the ups have certainly come the last couple of months and it makes it all worthwhile."
The day wasn’t just about the momentous landmark though, with Earls still hoping to edge his way into Andy Farrell’s World Cup plans. Afterwards, the head coach said that he has never seen Earls so fit and the player is taking a wait and see approach.
"I’ll just enjoy tonight, the coaches have a tough job selecting a 33. Look it, we'll just wait and see."
One man who is certain to be on the plane to France will be Mack Hansen who was named player of the match after another all-action display.
Hansen provided a brilliant cross-field pass for Garry Ringrose’s try and got over himself too, but he wasn’t totally satisfied despite the comfortable nature of the win.
Great vision from Mack Hansen and Garry Ringrose touches down to give Ireland a 12-3 half-time advantage. Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/jmfbMSBJMD
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023
"It was good, it was good to get the win. Probably didn’t play as well as we wanted to, we came in feeling really confident this week that we could put them away.
"'Faz will be mad at me if I say we played really well."
"To be fair they’re a tough team, they gave it everything they had as well. They put us under a lot of pressure," he added.
"There were a few mistakes we still have to fix up before going to the World Cup."
"There’s still plenty there that we kind of need to fix up if we want to be lifting that Webb Ellis in a couple of months.
"It was good to hold them out and hold them to 10 points, but that’s all I can really say - 'Faz’ [Farrell] will be mad at me if I say we played really well."
