RUGBY: Trimble on Six Nations mission
WINGER Andrew Trimble is looking to impress for Ireland in their Six Nations opener against Italy.
The Ulster winger, who had 10 minutes in two years since the 2007 World Cup, was handed a starting place in the Irish team earlier this week and he said he was now hungrier than ever to play in the green shirt.
Injuries played a major part in Trimble's 'disappearance' over the past two years, but he has mostly been on the Irish radar and usually named in the preliminary panel ahead of either the Six Nations Championship and Autumn Test series.
But he has had to do with 'A' team selection or a 10-minute cameo role off the bench last November against Fiji since being in the 2007 World Cup squad.
"When you are not involved, as has been my case, you get a real hunger for it again," said Trimble.
"To be honest, I did not realise how hungry I was for it. I guess it is like if you go without something for a while, you do not realise just how important is until you do not have it.
"I was over the moon at being selected to play against Italy and it is up to me to grasp this opportunity firmly."
Trimble will make his 26th full Irish appearance today and, given the way he has been scoring tries for fun with Ulster recently, it would be a good bet to see him increase his current points tally of 40 (eight tries).
Trimble said: "As long as I play well and Ireland get a good win, then I will be happy. If I get a try as well, then it will be a bonus for me.
"Ireland are the side everyone wants to beat in this championship. We are the holders and it is going to be tough for us."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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