Full-back Rob Kearney is looking to put his disappointing season behind him and earn a spot in Declan Kidney's World Cup squad in September. The 25-year-old missed the final eight months of the season after suffering a knee injury during last year's autumn international against the All Blacks. The damaged cartilage sustained by Kearney forced the Leinster man to undergo surgery, which resulted in him missing his club's end of season Heineken Cup triumph.
The pain of missing Leinster's successful end of season will be extra motivation for the full-back as he looks to prove his worth to Kidney over the next few weeks. The British and Irish Lion has been a key member of the Irish side over the past years, earning 27 caps so far as well as picking up the 2009 Grand Slam, Six Nations and Triple Crown. Kearney's return will be a boost to whole of the Ireland back line as well as freeing up other options available to Kidney. Those looking at the 2011 rugby world cup betting should bear this in mind.
The 25-year old expressed his delight at being back on the pitch again, insisting his knee is fully fit.
"The knee feels brilliant. I've been back full training for two months now and it has gone well. I'm just looking forward to my first match back," he said.
"Ideally you'd like to never get injured but you can't avoid it. It is important that you move on and I'm lucky to be back and in a position to be pushing for a World Cup spot."
Ireland are expected to mount a serious challenge in New Zealand later this autumn, with many in the game backing them as dark horses. Jonah Lomu has revealed Ireland are his pick to cause a surprise in New Zealand. People placing rugby bets may want to bear this in mind.
Ireland have been drawn in a group that shouldn't cause them too much trouble. Australia will be heavy favourites to top Pool C and Ireland will need to see off the threat of Italy for that all important second spot.
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