Player Quotes: Andrew Trimble, Simon Easterby

Gordon D’Arcy and Andrew Trimble, who will form Ireland’s midfield against Australia, at training at Clongowes Wood

ANDREW TRIMBLE:

– ON HIS SENIOR DEBUT –

“I’m just very excited about it (my debut). I always had my fingers crossed that I’d get an opportunity soon so it was great to get the news this morning (Tuesday) that I’d been given the nod.

“The way we trained yesterday (Monday), I had an inkling that I would start, but I certainly wasn’t taking anything for granted. I was still fairly nervous when I came in this morning.

“I’ve achieved the goals I set myself at the start of the season a lot earlier than I anticipated, so all this has taken me my surprise.

“Things have only recently taken off for me at Ulster – I only made my senior provincial debut a couple of months ago, and at the start of the season, my goal was to be first choice number 13 for Ulster.

“But I’m relishing the opportunity and looking forward to making the most of it.”

– ON FILLING IN FOR BRIAN O’DRISCOLL –

“I think Brian (O’Driscoll) is a hero for everybody – but particularly for guys throughout Ireland who like to play at outside centre.

“I haven’t had the chance to train with him, or even meet him, but I’m looking forward to getting that opportunity at some stage. I think there’s a lot of guys in the squad that I can learn from.”

SIMON EASTERBY:

– ON HIS INJURED LIP –

“I was just clearing out a ruck, and I caught Aaron Mauger’s head, and my teeth went through my top lip. It’s got ten or twelve stitches in there – on the inside and the outside – so it’s just a case of looking after it over the next few days, and it should be okay for Saturday.”

– ON THE DEFEAT BY NEW ZEALAND –

“We were disappointed in ourselves. We knew what New Zealand were going to be like, but we feel like we let ourselves down.

“We defended poorly, we slipped off tackles and we didn’t keep a hold of the ball – we really just contributed to our downfall.

– ON THE AUSTRALIAN TEST –

“Having not won in a while, they’re probably a little bit low on confidence. The Aussies have got attacking threats throughout the team though. I don’t think they’re as strong up front as the All Blacks, but their backline can be awesome if they get enough good ball.

“Just because they’ve lost a few games on the bounce, doesn’t mean they’re a bad side.They’ve got some tremendous individuals.”