Stock is ready to be a rock for the Irish

IRELAND boss Andy Farrell has backed Jacob Stockdale to make the most of his first Six Nations appearance in five years.

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The inform Ulster player received a major vote of confidence from Farrell after being selected on the left wing ahead of James Lowe for tomorrow night's tournament opener in France.

Stockdale, 29, was named player of the championship in 2018 but has been a peripheral figure during most of the Farrell era.