Rugby World Cup 2011: Andrew Trimble primed for his Irish opportunity
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Andrew Trimble believes he can still make a major impact for Ireland at the World Cup despite his relative lack of game time so far in the tournament.
Trimble didn't start in the opening two games against the USA and Australia before coming into a much-changed side for Sunday's victory over Russia.
The Ulsterman scored a try in the 62-12 win to press his claims for a starting role on Sunday against Italy.
"I feel fresh, fast and powerful. I want to show that," said Trimble.
"I'm very confident in my own ability and what I can do on the pitch.
"I have to prove that and the only way to do that is to get my hands on the ball as much as possible.
"I've got to make life difficult for (coach) Declan Kidney and see what happens. Declan knows I'm not happy being on the bench.
"I don't want to be someone who gets five or 10 minutes at the end of a game."
After being one of Ireland's better performers in the disappointing World Cup warm-up games in August, Trimble was tipped to start in the opener against the USA but Kidney instead opted for Keith Earls at left wing.
"I was really disappointed given the way things went last month not to be involved and get a start," acknowledged the 26-year-old.
"(But) That's the way Declan wants it and having that competition for places is what's best for the squad.
"As much as I was devastated, you have to be genuine and wish all the guys to do the best. You want to see them do well.
"There's a great buzz in the Irish camp at the moment and that's because we have that camaraderie."
An estimated 20,000 Irish fans generated a wonderful atmosphere in Rotorua in Sunday's game against the Russians and Trimble is itching to experience more of that in Dunedin this weekend.
"Having a taste of it against Russia - the buzz, the crowd makes me want more. It was some experience and I loved it," he said.
"Italy always looked like being the key game and that hasn't changed," said Trimble.
"We know how big Sunday is and how difficult the Italians will be to play. They won't roll over.
"We need to be direct and lift our intensity to a level they'll struggle to deal with, keeping the ball in hand for more phases."
