“If it is Jacko it’s a real opportunity for him to fill those big boots, that big jersey, but also to be himself.”
It was Jacko and Jacko had a stormer. Ireland went with Paddy Jackson ahead of Ian Madigan for the First Test against South Africa in Cape Town and he helped them to an historic victory.
Then Johnny Sexton was fit again and in he went. Then Sexton got injured again.
Jackson played well over an hour against New Zealand in the return match in Dublin and was excellent for the entire 80 in the win over Australia.
One would think that Jackson has answered all the doubters. He can win matches for his country and guide his teammates through thick, thin and thinner. Still, the questions remain.
That is why the nation shudders when Sexton limps out of games. Jackson is very good but many do not feel at ease with him running Ireland’s backline and urging the pack on.
One of the reasons we are not 100% on Jackson is that Joe Schmidt does not seem certain about the Ulsterman. In his time in charge, Schmidt often started Jackson at 10 when Sexton was unfit but opted for the versatile Ian Madigan when his first choice was raring to go.
At this morning’s Six Nations launch in London, Schmidt told reporters:
“Johnny’s already starting back doing a little bit [of training]. We’d be confident he’ll be able to train next week and therefore be fully available to face Scotland.”
Given that Sexton and Jackson are the only two designated out-halfs in the squad, one imagines the Leinster out-half will be ready for Murrayfield on February 4th. Jackson may not be best pleased by Schmidt’s plans for Munster centre Rory Scannell. He said:
“The first time I saw Rory play was at 10 for Dolphin against Belvedere. He had a fantastic game at 10.
“There’s a big difference between that and Murrayfield, but he would be the guy who could cover there.”
Scannell is primarily a centre but has time as out-half under his belt for club and province. Given that Schmidt prefers his replacements to be multi-positional – something he has been critical about regarding Jackson in the past – we could well see Scannell deputise for Sexton in either the Scotland or Italy game.
It would be a risk but these two openers provide the best opportunity to take risks.
