Stockdale setting his sights on a perfect ten
JACOB STOCKDALE has set Ireland a target of 10 points from their final two Six Nations games as Andy Farrell’s side look to snatch the title. Ireland will more than likely need a maximum haul from their meetings with Italy and France in the coming weeks in order to overtake England and France – the joint leaders at the top of the table – and secure their first Six Nations title since 2018. And Stockdale has challenged his teammates to leave nothing behind over the next fortnight, beginning with the Azzurri in Dublin on Saturday. ‘For us, as a team, realistically we’ve got a Six Nations to finish and we’re never going to not aim for silverware,’ said the Ulster star. ‘Realistically, for us, I think it’s entirely achievable to get 10 points out of the next two games and pick up a trophy at the end of it. ‘I think that’s a realistic goal for us, something we’ll definitely aspire to. ‘When we get into the Nations Cup, again, we’re going to aim for silverware and that is something that’s achievable. ‘We’re feeling pretty confident in that respect.’ Meanwhile, Hugo Keenan and Will Connors are in line
for Test debuts ahead of Saturday’s clash with Italy. Keenan, 24, has broken into Leinster’s senior ranks since the season restarted in August, while chop-tackling openside Connors has also impressed and started ahead of Josh van der Flier in Leinster’s Champions Cup quarter-final defeat by Saracens last month. Jamison Gibson-Park – who qualified for Ireland on residency grounds earlier this year – could be Ireland’s third debutant this weekend with the Leinster scrum-half pushing hard for a spot on the bench. Farrell is set to name his matchday 23 to face Italy at 1pm today. Yesterday, Leinster confirmed that Jordan Larmour would be out of action until February after undergoing surgery on a dislocated shoulder earlier this week. Jacob Stockdale is set to shift to full-back in Larmour’s absence. And Garry Ringrose, who is set to start alongside Bundee Aki in Ireland’s midfield, admitted that Larmour would be a huge loss for Ireland in the coming months. ‘I’m gutted for him. You never like to see anyone pick up an injury but it’s just the nature of the game. We’ve all been there but I’m gutted for him timing-wise coming into this block internationally,’ he said.