EARLS A SERIES DOUBT

KEITH EARLS is unlikely to play any part in Ireland’s Guinness Series games.

The Munster star, 30, suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday and is rated doubtful for the Fiji and Argentina games.

“It was a surprise to him and us,” said coach Joe Schmidt of Earls (above). “It’s a hamstring injury, I think it’s going to make it certainly a struggle for next week and potentially the week after.

“We’re disappointed and so is he – he was sensational for us in

Japan in the summer.”

Jacob Stockdale comes in for his Ireland debut on the wing and Schmidt is looking forward to seeing his 21-year-old raw recruit from Ulster perform. “He progressed through that summer tour really well, we’re really impressed with Jacob,” said Schmidt.

“He will acknowledge he’s not the finished article but how do you accomplish that? By coming through big games.

“We know he’ll bring his strength.”