James Ryan is towering above us in the mixed zone after Ireland’s 28-19 win over Argentina and about to head off to re-join his teammates.
He is reminded that it is just 18 months since himself and Jacob Stockdale starred in Ireland U20s journey to the Junior World Championships final. Was the Ulster winger that good from that young? Ryan nods his head. Earlier, in fact.
Stockdale was not exactly pinging on the radar in schools cup rugby until is final year at Wallace High School. Once he got into the first XV, though, he did not look back. He hasn’t since.
Ryan and Stockdale both made their senior Ireland debuts against the United States back in June. Both scored tries. They are now firmly ensconced in Joe Schmidt’s squad and will be targeting starting positions in the Six Nations. Back at the Aviva Stadium and Ryan’s answer reminds us how young both he and Stockdale are.
They first played together at the Under-18 European Championships in Poland in 2014. Ryan reflects:
“He always stood out in fairness. He’s a big winger, who’s got great feet. He’s fast. All the attributes you look for really.”
Stockdale returned to Ulster last Sunday evening and eased himself back into light training with the province ahead of their packed diary of festive fixtures. Teammate Andrew Trimble, on The Hard Yards, spoke of how the 21-year-old returned with a renewed vigour [from 41:00 below]. Stockdale’s attitude to training has, if anything, improved from an already impressive stance.
“Seeing Jacob doing so well comes as no surprise to any of us, really,” Trimble begins.
“Having seen him in bits and pieces last season, he showed he was ready to kick on and grow into himself, or become the kind of player that he had been talked of potentially becoming. He bided his time, got his chance and he’s taken it. He has backed it up a good few times already this season.”
While the Ulster youngster may be getting praise for his try-scoring exploits, his all-round game has been excellent for Ireland. We all remember that crunching defensive hit on South Africa’s Dillyn Leyds, in the opening Guinness Series fixture. And this kick-chase and driving tackle against Argentina summed up his 10/10 performance.
The temptation may be for Stockdale to stick to what has got him into the Ulster and Ireland starting teams. However, Trimble says he is working even harder to add more to his game.
“If you saw him running around during the summer, playing conditioning games, looking so fit, fast and powerful. He’s a serious athlete.
“And then when you see him on the pitch, he’s got a bit of nous as well and he plays the game well. It doesn’t surprise any of us really and, off the pitch, he is as humble now as he was a few years ago. So, good to see.”
Stockdale should get the chance to put all the hard training to good use when Ulster go back-to-back with Harlequins in a crucial phase of Champions Cup rugby.
