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Ireland head coach shares Jacob Stockdale theory on winger's return
Andy Farrell believes Jacob Stockdale is primed for action as he offered an insight into the Ulster winger's Ireland return.
Stockdale is set to win just his fifth cap in four years when he steps out against Fiji at Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon, one of a number of changes Farrell has made to the side that scraped past Argentina last weekend.
The 28-year-old burst onto the scene during the 2018 Six Nations, scoring a record seven tries during a stellar debut campaign. Only five men – Brian O’Driscoll, Keith Earls, Tommy Bowe, Denis Hickie and Shane Horgan – have scored more tries for Ireland than Stockdale.
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The Ulster star has gone on to win 37 caps, but has not represented his country since being overlooked for last year’s Rugby World Cup. Knee and ankle issues have contributed to that stalled momentum, but Farrell believes Stockdale is returning to his best.
The Irish coach said: "He's in good nick. He's in good spirits. There is something that has turned the corner with him. He's obviously had a word with himself.
"One, he is in good form. He is making things happen, which was always his point of difference.
"But he's fit. You can tell he has been looking after himself. You can tell he has been minding himself and he is speaking up more and taking more ownership in and around the group.
"There is a maturity about him which is a little bit different, and all those things tell me he is ready to go."
Farrell added: "He deserves it, his form has been great. He’s been back in the fold with us, albeit not getting an opportunity, over the last 12 months and we’ve seen that improvement within his game.
READ MORE: Jacob Stockdale shuts down Ireland question during Premier Sports interview
“He’s chomping at the bit and this is his chance to show us what he’s about at this level again.”
Stockdale will be determined to make his mark on Saturday after finally returning to the Ireland starting line-up.
He was reluctant to talk up his chances earlier this season when asked if his current form warranted a starting slot for the upcoming November Internationals.
He told Premier Sports: "Ah, I don't know. I don't want to talk about it, because every time I talk about it I end up not playing So I'm not talking about it."
