Joe Schmidt was among the crowd at Kingspan Stadium and witnessed Paddy Jackson doing what he has been doing all season – controlling games and winning matches.
The Ulster out-half has been the best 10 for any Irish province this season and has added some bite to his defensive game.
Jackson missed out on Six Nations selection due to his proclivity for excelling in only one position. However, with Ian Madigan off to France next summer, Jackson will surely step up as Johnny Sexton’s understudy.
On Saturday’s viewing – as Ulster swatted Leinster 30-6 – Jackson was, far and away, the best outhalf on display.
He kicked 15 points, made 109 metres on nine carries, effected two clean breaks, beat two defenders in-play and landed all eight of his tackle attempts. He also raced home an intercept try in the final minutes.
Post-match, Jackson was quick to praise Sexton before putting all the credit for the win on his teammates’ shoulders. He said:
“Johnny made some good kicks from either side of the pitch and it looked like things were really going to get [tight].
“Towards the end of second half, our pack really stepped up and made it really easy for me to get the team moving a bit.”
Commendable stuff.
