Earls  take central role ahead of Munster’s star recruit

MUNSTER could spring a major selection surprise today by leaving South African centre Jean de Villiers out of their team to face Perpignan in tomorrow night’s critical Heineken Cup clash at Thomond Park.

World Cup-winning centre De Villiers starred for South Africa in their summer successes against the Lions and in the Tri-Nations and arrived in Munster last September hailed as one of the best centres in the world on a contract reputed to be worth around €300,000.

However, his midfield partnership with New Zealander Lifeimi Mafi has failed to gel over the course of five Magners League and two Heineken Cup matches, with Munster losing four of those seven games.

Now, with victory over Perpignan vital for pool qualification ahead of the return trip to the south of France, coach Tony McGahan may opt to return to the Mafi-Keith Earls centre combination that proved so successful last season until the Heineken Cup semi-final defeat by Leinster.

If Earls is moved infield, McGahan could then bring Denis Hurley, who has been in superb form this season, onto the left wing with Paul Warwick and Doug Howlett completing the back three.

Last season, Leinster’s major overseas signing Rocky Elsom was an inspirational figure in the province’s march to their first European title and Munster were hoping for a similar impact from De Villiers who, like Elsom, is expected to return home after one season.

While omitting De Villiers would never have been part of Munster’s designs, it would constitute a welcome move for national coach Declan Kidney as Earls is the most suitable cover for Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll.

The versatile Limerickman played extremely well on the left wing in place of the injured Luke Fitzgerald during the November series and is likely to start there in the Six Nations. However, Earls getting regular game time in midfield strengthens Kidney’s hand as well as allowing another Irish player in Hurley to gain Heineken Cup exposure.

Munster are due to name their starting XV at lunch time today.

– Hugh Farrelly

Irish Independent