Ulster’s Andrew Trimble scored what is without a doubt one of the best individual tries of the season against Bath last weekend, contributing strongly towards his current Ireland aspirations.
The 25 year old Irish winger has played for his country only once in nearly two years, as a series of injuries and subsequent loss of form meant that other players stepped up to take centre stage as Ireland won the Grand Slam last season.
Trimble is now back to full fitness though, and a recent peak in form and resolve means that hes aiming to get the nod for the upcoming Six Nations.
With winger Luke Fitzgerald out injured, a starting spot on the wing looks to be up for grabs, with Trimble in competition against Munsters versatile back Keith Earls, and on form Leinster man Shane Horgan.
Its been a tough few seasons for Trimble, who a few years back was a regular performer for Ireland. Injury changed his career drastically, but hes stuck it out and is feeling strong again.
“Not having the power in my legs that I used to have was really giving me a hard time and I was really finding it difficult to impose my game in matches,” Trimble says. “That’s something that sort of snowballed a little bit into a lack of confidence.
“Last year, I got the hunger back and wanted to get myself sorted. I just realised how much it meant to me. I just wanted to put that hard work in and I was delighted that it is starting to pay off.”
His try against Bath was sensational as he slalomed through the defence before putting on the afterburners to gas the cover.
“I made the initial break and then I looked to my left to Tom Court who, I’m embarrassed to say, was keeping up with me!
“He was screaming for the ball. I think maybe this time last year I would have given it to him but, as you say, the new confidence in my own ability, I just wanted to take the guy on and then it sort of opened up. Fortunately, I got the try,” he said.
Regarding the upcoming Six Nations, hes anxious about the team announcement.
“Somebody is going to be devastated when the team is announced on Tuesday. Shaggy (Horgan) is playing really well with Leinster and Earlsy is flying with Munster.
“I suppose it’s nice to have the strength in depth, but we’re all desperate to play. It’s a great time, but I’ll be a lot happier if my name is read out on Tuesday. I really want to get back on that scene as fast as I can,” he said.
Time:
02:27
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