Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HIS STOCK IS ON THE RISE
Brilliant Jacob is catching Schmidt’s eye
JACOB STOCKDALE scored a wonder try to get Ulster back to winning ways – and boost his chances of an Ireland call-up for next month’s autumn internationals.
The 21-year-old lit up a drab inter-pro against Connacht at Kingspan Stadium with a brilliant 80-metre breakaway try, with superb support play from Charles Piutau.
With Ireland coach Joe Schmidt in the stands, his man-of-thematch display can’t have done his Ireland chances any harm.
His 57th minute try was the only real highlight in a poor 14 clash, when the ref was the star attraction for most of the night – sin-binning Jean Deysel three minutes from the end.
Ulster will be happy to get back to winning ways after last week’s shock defeat in Italy – especially with a tough European Cup opener against Wasps next week.
After the big build-up, the first-half was a total snooze fest.
Four good try chances came and went for Ulster in the opening half – while Connacht scored with their only visit inside the 22.
The visitors did suffer a blow when dangerous fullback Tiernan O’halloran limped out of the game after just 11 minutes.
Stockdale was his usual lively self and made a great break but the pass inside to Cooney went astray. Stuart Mccloskey was next to break out but had no support and got bundled into touch.
Luke Marshall knocked on after a dazzling bit of Piutau play but worst of all was Christian Lealiifano spilling the ball with the try-line at his mercy.
Cooney nailed a penalty but it was scant reward for all the possession and territory Ulster enjoyed in the first 40 minutes.
And four minutes before the interval, Connacht broke down the field and scored through hooker Tom Mccartney.
Fast hands between Cian Kelleher and Eoin Mckeon set up the chance and when the ball was recycled, the hooker did the rest to put the visitors 5-3 up.
Cooney had them back in front within five minutes with his second penalty before the game’s biggest talking point – when Piutau was thumped late with a shoulder charge by Steve Crosbie.
Ref Andrew Brace took no action and allowed play to develop with Connacht earning a penalty. Jack Carty converted with the boos ringing in his ears.
Cooney replied with another penalty to put Ulster in front 9-8 after 53 minutes and Stockdale’s brilliant try.
Piutau out-sprinted Matt Healy to gather the ball inside his own 22 and broke out with Stockdale, the pair exchanging passes, tore through the midfield before Stockdale sailed in under the posts for a special score.