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Earls wary of O'Shea's Italy
Ireland winger Keith Earls expects Italy to be well briefed by head coach Conor O'Shea ahead of Saturday's Six Nations match in Rome.
The Limerick man, who led Harlequins to the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2011 and the Aviva Premiership title the following year, has been in charge of Italy since March 2016 and led the Azzurri to a first win over South Africa in November.
"He might have an extra ‘in’ because he has been analysing us for a couple of years," Earls said.
"What he’s done with Harlequins, where he won trophies and what he’s done with Italy – that win against South Africa, was massive for them. It was a good appointment for Italy to bring him in.
"It was a massive challenge for him but I do think they’ve got a good squad, a good base of players. His depth probably isn’t the same as other countries so he has to get the maximum out of less players."
Ulster captain Andrew Trimble looks set to be recalled to the Ireland side after missing the 27-22 defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh last weekend with a groin injury, and could start in place of Earls at the Olympic Stadium.
Munster lock Donnacha Ryan is also pushing for a recall to the second row, with Iain Henderson likely to drop to the bench. Tadhg Furlong is likely to start after recovering from the shoulder injury he picked up in Edinburgh.
Photo by Inpho/ Dan Sheridan
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