This is a man who has scored 19 tries for Ireland, won a Grand Slam, beaten the All Blacks, and a fair bit more:
IT’S NOT QUITE a return from out in the cold. Jacob Stockdale was around Andy Farrell’s squad all of last season. He has trained with the wider group, played for Ireland A last November, and we’ve seen him on waterboy duties during Tests, passing messages from coaches to players.
Let’s remember that this is a man who has scored 19 tries for Ireland, won a Grand Slam, beaten the All Blacks, and a fair bit more. He’s joint-sixth on the all-time try-scoring list for Ireland, with his rate of tries per game higher than anyone else in the top 10. Some of his tries were sublime. The chip-and-score against the All Blacks in November 2018 took scintillating skill and athleticism. It also demonstrated Stockdale’s bouncebackability given that a chip attempt only minutes before had nearly handed the Kiwis a try down the other end.
Perhaps the biggest ask for both Lowe and Hansen has been on the defensive side of the game and though it isn’t discussed as much as their attacking contribution, they’ve been excellent in this domain. Lowe and Hansen have had steep learning curves that they’ll admit they’re still on, but they’ve been making some good reads and we’re now even seeing both of them jackal for breakdown turnovers in the wide channels.
That’s not to say that there’s no room for wings of a different profile. The best squads have a blend of skillsets that allow them to play in a few different ways. Stockdale is perhaps more of a ‘traditional’ wing in the sense that he’s not known for distributing or popping up at first receiver, but he has been working on this roaming aspect of his game.
España Últimas Noticias, España Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Highly-rated Frawley finally gets chance to kick-start Ireland careerAfter a series of injury setbacks, the versatile back has been named on the bench for Saturday’s game against Italy.
Leer más »
Ireland vs Italy: Jack Crowley named at outhalf for World Cup warm-up gameCraig Casey gets a start at scrumhalf, as opportunity knocks for Jacob Stockdale
Leer más »
Crowley at out-half for Ireland as lock McCarthy gets first Test startAndy Farrell has named his Ireland matchday 23 to face Italy on Saturday:
Leer más »
Mary Hannigan: ‘Open-minded’ Andy Farrell to give squad hopefuls a fair chance‘Obnoxiously talented’ Colm Basquel; Germany crash out of World Cup; Shane Lowry makes solid start
Leer más »
Fabien Galthié gives fringe players chance to stake claim as World Cup loomsSaturday’s match will notably see Brice Dulin return to the fray after over two years away
Leer más »
Five different weather warnings in place across island of Ireland this morningStorm Antoni has hit Ireland, with wind and rain warnings in force in various parts of the island
Leer más »