"Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has backed Jacob Stockdale to justify the faith that has been shown in the Ulster winger to start his first Six Nations game in five years."
"Farrell said Thursday's opener against France in Paris came too soon for Tadhg Furlong, who has been struggling with a calf injury, but the Leinster tighthead prop could return for next week's home clash with Italy."
Andy Farrell backs Jacob Stockdale to justify faith shown by selectors in starting as Ulster winger for his first Six Nations match in five years. The opening fixture is against France in Paris on Thursday. Tadhg Furlong is not ready for that game after struggling with a calf injury. The Leinster tighthead prop remains in contention to return for the following week's home clash with Italy if recovery progresses. The selection reflects confidence in Stockdale's readiness and a cautious approach to Furlong's fitness, balancing immediate squad needs with player welfare ahead of early tournament fixtures.
Read at Independent
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]