If Andy Farrell has been following Jacob Stockdale’s performance in the fledgling season, he may have noticed, after five segments of the United Rugby Championship, that the Ulster wing outperforms all other league players in terms of metres made (317) and defenders beaten (25).
In the previous week, Stockdale tied with Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe for four line breaks and nine gainline carries, alongside the Bulls’ Cameron Hanekom and Ospreys’ Morgan Morris.
In essence, Stockdale has been presenting consistently strong performances, ensuring he has possession in prime locations. Indeed, he even managed to score a typical chip and pick effort against the Bulls in Pretoria, outpacing Kurt-Lee Arendse. In another weekend game, he used his mighty built for a single-handed score against the Ospreys.
The impressive statistics he’s produced this season are what one would anticipate from Stockdale, who’s known to score a try for Ireland every second match, accounting for a total of 19 tries over 37 appearances.
The resurgence in Stockdale’s performance augments Andy Farrell’s resources for the Autumn Series. Further, Connacht Rugby aims to totally professionalise their women’s team within half a decade, and Caelan Doris has been named Ireland’s captain for the upcoming Autumn Series.
The standout form exhibited by Stockdale prompted Richie Murphy, the coach for Ulster, to reference him earlier this week, preceding Farrell’s unveiling of this Wednesday’s 35-man Irish team. Murphy commented about Ulster’s early wobbly form, stating, “But the last two weeks I think we’ve put in some solid performances as a team and individuals including Jacob.”
The 28-year-old Stockdale’s recent display is a significant answer for one who hasn’t donned the green jersey since his appearance as a left winger in the World Cup preparatory bout against Samoa in August 2023. That same month he played against Italy for what totalled two caps for the season.
An ailment has significantly contributed to his diminishing presence on the international rugby scene. A damaged ankle in Ulster’s inaugural match of the 2021-22 season necessitated surgical intervention and consequently lost him a season. This marked the initiation of his extended absence from the Irish squads, with the 2023 match against Italy in the World Cup warmup signifying his first international début since 2021.
Stockdale is keen on relegating his struggle to reclaim his elite status in Irish rugby to the past. As he makes his entry into the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, he faces another encounter with the seemingly unshakeable James Lowe. His preparation for a warm-weather training camp in Portugal anticipates this meeting. Topping Lowe proves crucial for Stockdale if he aspires to secure a place in Farrell’s tactical strategy, particularly in a scenario dictated by 5-3 and 6-2 bench splits.
“This season, my primary personal aim is to have frequently donned the green jersey,” revealed Stockdale this week. “Within the last three to four years, I have only participated in a handful of matches, and I want to enhance that number substantially.
I am refraining from setting too lofty expectations for myself, understanding that there are several factors outside of my control. All I can do is ensure that I am performing at my peak capacity to put the odds in my favour.”
His commendable feat of scoring seven tries in a Six Nations Championship, which also included two against Italy, Wales, and Scotland- and one against England in Twickenham on St. Patrick’s Day, dates six years back. No other Irish player could equal his run. His 11th try in nine Test matches, which was against England, followed by another in a November clash against New Zealand, made him a 22-year-old sensation.
Stockdale admitted, “Admittedly, it does get annoying at times, but that’s the nature of professional rugby. There are instances when other players excel beyond you; sometimes the team thrives and at other times they falter. The Ireland team has been on a victorious streak lately, and it is a challenge to break into the squad amidst such success.”
Stockdale is of the view that he has matured, both personally and professionally, as he navigated his way through his mid-twenties and became a father of two. Now, he holds a distinctive position within the Ulster squad. He is striving to improve certain aspects of his gameplay which he believes will distinguish him from his peers. Additionally, the novel coaching methods introduced by Murphy, in his maiden full-term season as Ulster’s coach, have accentuated the young player’s attacking prowess.
He professed, “I’ve evolved significantly as a player from what I used to be. My strengths and weaknesses are no longer the same”. He added, “Approximately a year back, I adopted a strategy to double down on my strengths. I believe, I had drifted away from this approach previously.”
Focusing on his strengths – perplexing the opposition defence and consistently scoring tries – may just facilitate his transition from being a simple squad player to the primary left wing. A Stockdale, who is fully motivated and switched-on, could not only prove beneficial for Farrell but would also be a justified reward for a player with extraordinary talent.
While it might not be New Zealand that he faces in the initial match, if flashes of Stockdale’s past brilliance are seen, he might just find himself donning the cap in November.