Stockdale backed to seize his Six chance

RUGBY UNION By EDWARD ELLIOTT

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Ireland's Jacob Stockdale DONALL FARMER/PA

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

The inform Ulster player received a major vote of confidence from Farrell after being selected on the left wing ahead of James Lowe for Thursday evening’s tournament opener away to France.

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

“He's back to being himself this year, that’s for sure,” the head coach said of Stockdale.

“T think if you speak to him, he'd be delighted that he’s just simplified things and got down to what he’s good at, and that’s beating people.

“and we've seen that plenty, certainly this season. Jacob is playing well. He deserves his chance.”