Jacob Stockdale’s recent appearances at full-back for Ulster will have Andy Farrell brimming with confidence ahead of next month’s international fixtures.
The No15 position has been under scrutiny since the Ireland head coach opted against selecting Rob Kearney in his initial 45-man training squad last December.
It was a decision which effectively retired the venerable Leinster man from Test rugby.
Kearney, 34, is one of Ireland’s most decorated players, making 95 appearances since his debut in 2007. Filling his big boots was never going to be an easy task.
Although Stockdale is a long way off Kearney’s class and experience, his presence at 15 in recent weeks underlined his rich potential.
It’s hard to know whether it is a temporary positional switch because of injuries or whether Farrell has had a quiet word in Ulster boss Dan McFarland’s ear, with an eye on the international fixtures next month.
Nevertheless, the move to full-back should open up more opportunities for the 24-year-old at Ulster and Ireland, given various injuries and loss of form to key men.
Jordan Larmour looked uncomfortable under the high ball against Munster recently, a reminder that he has plenty of work to do if he is to nail down the coveted 15 shirt.
The diminutive Leinster man has often switched between wing and full-back, and while Stockdale has done the same, his recent starts at 15 may point to a longer-term plan.
At international level, all 28 of Stockdale’s caps have come on the wing, including three in this year’s Six Nations.
With international fixtures set to take place next month, starting against Italy on October 24, Farrell may be tempted to look at new options.
It is easy to see the value of shifting the Lurgan-native to the back field.
At 6 ft 3 in, he is a powerful presence in the air, an asset that can help him settle into the full-back role and enjoy more freedom with ball in hand.
With solid distribution and strong kicking ability, he poses a menacing attacking threat, scoring 16 tries in 28 matches for Ireland and 27 tries in 60 matches for Ulster.
However, if there is one improvement to be made it is his defence, a part of his game that has often been called into question.
No player is the finished article – the same can be said of Larmour’s defence and aerial deficiencies. But harnessing these weaknesses is part of any athlete’s development.
At U-20 level, Stockdale lined out at 15 and was one of the shining lights of the Ireland team that beat the All Blacks and reached the 2016 World Rugby Championship final.
A supreme footballing talent, he has started just seven times at full-back since his underage international prowess, used more as a winger for his province instead.
Named at 15 against Connacht and Leinster, he showed glimpses of class, making some fine touches and using his imposing frame to great effect in contact.
He was comfortable in his positioning, commanding in the air and made some searching connections with his wand of a left boot.
With PRO14 and Champions Cup knock-out matches taking place over the next few weeks, McFarland should stick with the reliable Armagh man – if fit – at full-back.
On the international front, with James Lowe set to become eligible for Ireland in November, Farrell now has another outstanding winger to add to his list.
Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Lowe, Larmour and Stockdale will battle it out for the back-three positions against Italy and France.
You could make an argument that all five deserve to start but, unfortunately, there are not enough places on the team sheet.
How Stockdale performs before the season’s end could determine his marquee position for the future.
