Six Nations: Jacob Stockdale is ‘back to what he does best’, says Andy Farrell ahead of the clash with France

Ireland coach Andy Farrell says Jacob Stockdale “deserves” to start against France in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Thursday night (20:10 GMT).

The 29-year-old winger, who was the tournament’s Player of the Year in 2018, will appear in the competition for the first time since facing England in 2021.

Leinster’s James Lowe has been first choice in that position in most games since, but has struggled to find his best form since returning from the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia last summer.

“There’s always a discussion to be had and Jacob deserves it,” Farrell said of the selection.

“He’s back to normal this year, that’s for sure. If you talk to him, he’s happy that he’s simplified things and gone back to what he does best, which is beating people. We’ve seen that a lot this season.”

With Stockdale selected on the left wing, Jimmy Osborne got the nod at full-back.

Regular number 15 Hugo Keenan is out with a broken thumb sustained in training last week with Osborne arriving despite not playing rugby since Ireland’s win over Japan in November due to a shoulder problem.

“Knowing his temperament and how hard he works in his preparation, which is crucial by the way, there’s no better man than him,” Farrell said of Osborne’s preparation for the first match in three months.

“Yaaqoub [Stockdale] He is playing well and deserves his chance on the left wing. Hugo was incredibly unlucky. He looked sharp coming back and I really feel like he suffered a thumb injury.

“You look at the likes of Jimmy O’Brien or McHansen or others [without Keenan] And Jimmy is the one who will be filling in for us. “He had a shoulder injury so he’s fit, and he certainly showed that last week.”