Ireland's Keith Earls delighted to equal World Cup try-scoring record

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  • Earls has scored seven tries in the tournament so far.

    Ireland’s Keith Earls admitted he was delighted to have equalled Brian O’Driscoll’s World Cup try-scoring record in their win over Romania, but said, personally, the win was far more important.

    The 27-year-old Munster flyer grabbed a brace to take his tally to seven for the tournament as the Irish ran out 44-10 winners in a convincing six-try victory.

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    Earls, however, remained focused on the win: “Of course I’m happy to have got the two tries,” he told Sport360, “But if I’d been given the choice before the game for the tries or the win, it’d be the latter. The win is what matters to me and the team, but equalling Brian’s [O’Driscoll] record is a nice bonus.”

    Boss Joe Schmidt conceded that his side looked in great shape, but ensured his feet remained firmly on the ground.

    “It was a good win and they did exactly what I asked them to do. We looked good going forward and solid defensively. There a few things we need to work on this week, but overall I’m happy.

    “We won’t get carried away, though. We have many more games to play and our first goal is the get out of the group and into the quarter-finals. We have to take each step at a time.”

    The victory was somewhat dampened when full-back Rob Kearny was forced off with gluteal injury following a heavy blow to his hip in scoring Ireland’s fifth try.

    Ireland’s Keith Earls has equalled Brian O’Driscoll’s World Cup try-scoring record.

    Schmidt, however, remained positive ahead of their next game against Italy.

    “Rob’s seen a specialist today and we’ll find out in the next day or so if he’ll make the Italy game.

    “He’s an important player for us, but if he isn’t 100% fit, we aren’t going to risk him. I’m confident in the players we have with us and that they can step up to the start XV when they’re called upon.”

    One candidate to replace Kearny should he not make the game is Munster’s Simon Zebo, who impressed in the win over Romania. The 25-year-old, however, has travelled back to Ireland on compassionate leave following the death of his grandfather, but is expected to return to their Guildford training base tomorrow.

    “Simon’s due to return in a few days,” said Schmidt, “He’s been excused and has travelled back to Ireland. He had a brilliant game on Sunday, but until everyone is back and we’ve trained, I’ll not be making any decisions.

    “If Rob [Kearny] can’t make it, though, Simon [Zebo] could certainly be in the running, yes, we have to see how things go, though.”

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