Andy Farrell is backing Jacob Stockdale to shine, after handing the Ulster wing his first Guinness Six Nations appearance in close to five years, for Thursday's championship opener against France in Paris.
Stockdale will start on the left wing, preferred to James Lowe in the Irish starting side, as he looks to continue his impressive form for Ulster this season.
While the 29-year-old will win his 41st Ireland cap, Thursday will be his first Six Nations appearance since the final round of the 2021 championship against England.
"He's back to being himself this year, that's for sure," Farrell said, after naming his team for Thursday's meeting with France.
The 2018 Player of the Championship had fallen well down the Irish pecking order through a loss of form, combined with injury trouble, and has played just six games for Ireland since that last Six Nations appearance.
He returned to form last season, playing twice for Ireland and impressing before picking up knocks in each game, but has kicked on further in 2025/26, flourishing under Richie Murphy’s potent Ulster attack.
"I think if you speak to him, he'd be delighted that he's just simplified things and got down to what he's good at, and that's beating people.
"And we've seen that plenty, certainly this season.
"Everyone who doesn't get a chance or drops out of the squad is always trying to fight to get back in and be fought hard enough to earn the right to take responsibility in the big game. That's the Six Nations, the opening game, which is here in Paris.
"So it doesn't really get any bigger than that. It's a fantastic opportunity, isn't it?" the Ireland head coach added.
Stockdale’s inclusion was one of two big calls made by the Ireland head coach, who also handed Cian Prendergast his first ever Six Nations appearance.
The Connacht captain earns his ninth cap at Stade de France, starting alongside Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier in the back row.
And Farrell (below) says it’s a just-reward for the 25-year-old's form in November, where he impressed in his three substitute appearances.
"We feel he's matured a lot. The captaincy is certainly helping him at Connacht as well," Farrell said of the versatile back row.
"Being able to channel his thoughts in another way has certainly matured him as a player, that's for sure. But yeah, we were delighted with how he took his chance in the autumn, because he's another one who's been waiting for a big moment.
"He's been waiting in the wings for a good few years, so his time is now to be taken. He's across most things in the game, which he's pretty good at. Certainly set-piece wise, and his work-rate around the field is pretty impressive."
With Sam Prendergast named at out-half, Thursday in Paris will also be the first time the two Prendergast brothers start a game together for Ireland.
"It's lovely. You can tell that they try to keep it on the down low in front of all their team-mates but I'm sure behind the scenes, along with their parents, they’re as proud as punch," the Englishman added.
The Ireland head coach says he expects Tadhg Furlong to be fit for next week’s Round 2 meeting with Italy in Dublin, with the tighthead prop only recently returning to training from a calf injury.
Jamie Osborne was passed fit to start, however, with the Leinster back named at full-back for his first appearance since November.
The 24-year-old hasn’t played since suffering a shoulder injury in Ireland’s win against Japan in November, but Farrell doesn't believe he will be hampered by a lack of gametime.
"How he's acted over the last seven or eight days and how he's performed in training gives you a lot of confidence. There’s no better man.
"Knowing his temperament, knowing how diligent he is within his preparation, which is top drawer, by the way.
"He's had a shoulder injury, but he's fit. He's fit and he's certainly showed that in the last week."
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Follow a live blog on France v Ireland in the Six Nations on Thursday from 8.10pm. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1
