JACOB'S MADE OF GOOD STOCK

RORY BEST feels Jacob Stockdale is "built" for the kind of physical test that awaits Ireland in Thursday's Six Nations opener against France and hopes he gets the nod for the Stade de France.

- BY PADDY TIERNEY

Stockdale has forced his way into Andy Farrell's squad on the back of impressive displays with Ulster and an ongoing injury crisis could see him start against the defending champions.

A suspected broken thumb looks set to rule Hugo Keenan out of the opening game at the very least.

Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Ryan Baird are also out with Bundee Aki suspended while Tadhg Furlong remains a doubt.

He might have a slightly biased take but Ulster's general manager insists Stockdale is one of the form backs in Ireland.

"For me he's the form back three - him and Tommy O'Brien are the form back threes in Ireland and then that's up to Andy to balance," said Best.