Ulster head coach Dan McFarland expects Andy Farrell to take a close look at Jacob Stockdale before naming his Six Nations squad next week.
The speedster was regarded as one of the best wingers in the world after an excellent start to his international career.
Stockdale scored an impressive 14 tries in 17 Tests, but the winger’s form slumped after the 2019 Six Nations.
He then suffered a severe ankle injury in 2021, sidelined him for a year, and struggled to return to his best form in the 2022/23 season.
Missed the World Cup
The 27-year-old was still included in the Rugby World Cup’s wider training squad despite a disappointing on-field performance for Ulster, but was unsurprisingly not included in the final 33. There was nothing left.
A hamstring injury also played a role in his absence, but Stockdale benefited from being available for his state earlier this season.
Instead of playing second fiddle behind James Rowe and Mack Hansen at the World Cup, he has been a regular for the Belfast-based team.
He performed well in 2023/24, giving himself the chance to start for Ireland in the Six Nations, especially with Lowe still on the sidelines.
The New Zealand-born Flyer is expected to return to Leinster soon, but will need to prove his fitness and fitness ahead of the annual international tournament.
That’s something Stockdale has already achieved and with big Champions Cup games against Toulouse and Harlequins coming up, the forgotten Ireland star has the chance to put down a marker.
Ulster head coach McFarland said: “Manager Andy Farrell will be watching these games closely. “I’m not going to take Andy Farrell with a grain of salt. As Jacob is well aware, it’s very competitive.
“James Rowe is clearly a left-footed left winger. He’s the incumbent there and it’s up to Jacob to improve his form and make sure he’s done that to ensure he’s competitive. .
“I know that Jacob will be working hard in the next few games to prove that he is the right man for the job on the highest stage at club level.”
Ireland squad composition
Farrell named only three wingers – Lowe, Hansen and Keith Earls – for the World Cup, with Jimmy O’Brien, who covered all three positions at the back, as a utility option.
With injuries to Hansen and O’Brien and Earls’ retirement, at least three of those players will be unavailable for Farrell.
So while it would be a huge shock if Stockdale is not selected for Ireland’s Six Nations squad, breaking into that starting XI will be an even bigger challenge.
“He’s very focused on what he’s trying to accomplish,” McFarland added.
“We’ve seen his brilliant counter-attacks. His ability to bring people down and put pressure on players defensively. He’s been working hard on his game there and has done a good job. . He obviously has a good left foot.”
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