Slow starter Keenan making up for lost time thetimes.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thetimes.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
); You can only be where your feet are - in-form Jacob Stockdale taking trophy hunt one step at a time
The Ireland star is focused on the visit of Connacht to Belfast tonight. By Adam McKendry Friday 23 Apr 2021, 9:46 AM 5 hours ago 1,524 Views 0 Comments
Jacob Stockdale: has made an impression since return from injury.
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
WHEN HE LIMPED out of Ulster’s win over Munster just after the new year, Jacob Stockdale thought it would just be a short-term injury. At the very least, he’d be back for the Six Nations.
The initial prognosis was an ACL strain and a bit of bone bruising. A couple of weeks and it should all clear up and he’d be back on the pitch doing what he does best for Ireland.
All of them are the Tommy Gunn character lobbing bombs in the alleyway.
Garry Ringrose was a decent shout to tour in 2017 but Gatland went with Jonathan Davies while also bringing two Kiwis in Ben Teâo and Jared Payne. Ringrose was high up the list of potential Lions until his latest season-interrupting injury.
Henry Slade and Henshaw or a fully fit Manu Tuilagi are serious partnerships, so Ringrose probably needs to feature against La Rochelle.
In the back three, Anthony Watson, Jonny May and Louis Rees-Zammit are the main contenders with Duhan van der Merwe bringing that Afrikaner physicality to put pressure on Jacob Stockdale â who was slick against Northampton â Hugo Keenan and Keith Earls to turn Gregorâs head. I worry that 50-50 calls will fall for Welsh and Scottish players.
Updated / Wednesday, 14 Apr 2021
17:01
Hugo Keenan has established himself as an international starter
Leinster trio Hugo Keenan, Jack Conan and Scott Penny have signed new contracts with the province.
Ireland full-back Keenan s contract extension follows in the wake of his inclusion on the 15-player long list of nominees for EPCR European Player of the Year alongside Tadhg Furlong, Robbie Henshaw and Josh van der Flier.
The 24-year-old has established himself at international level, starting all five of Ireland s Six Nations games this year.
Conan, who started the win over England last month, has made nine appearances for Leinster this season, including the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final win over Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, while fellow back-row Penny has scored nine tries in 11 games in the Pro14 this season.
Zebo a nice to have in competitive Irish back three rte.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rte.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.