The former Ireland flanker is convinced the IRFU have both the coach and the structure to remain contenders for rugby’s major honours for another five years
Stephen Ferris reckons Jacob Stockdale’s revival can keep Ireland top of the Six Nations pile for another 12 months.
Read next: Dr McKenna Cup: Ulster GAA “surprised” and “disappointed” at decision to scrap pre-season competitions He said: “I think Jacob is going to have a big season if he can stay injury free. When you consider the freak of an athlete he is - powerful, fast, good under the high ball, the possessor of an unbelievable left foot - he should be starting every week for Ireland ahead of Mack Hansen, James Lowe, Jimmy O’Brien.
To put that recent success in context, they won only 10 championships, one grand slam and six Triple Crowns between 1883 and 1999. That was not the case in the 1990s when Ireland finished in the bottom two of the Five Nations table each season. The turnaround has been dramatic. “It obviously helps that 12 to 13 of your starting players are from the same province and have got that continuity going.But Ferris reckons the 28-year-old’s resurgence should persuade Farrell to open up the door.
“Then you Robert Baloucoune. He is another winger who has huge potential but needs to stay fit. Dave McCann has played unbelievably well and all it takes is an injury or two and he could get in there if Josh van der Flier dips a little. Stuart McCloskey is superb and is another man knocking on the door.Ferris - a grand slam winner with Ireland in 2009 - is convinced one thing WON’T change, though.
“Italy are capable of a big scalp here and there but have been inconsistent. So Ireland and France are leading the way.”
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