Stockdale 'back To What He's Good At' - Farrell

Ireland caput coach Andy Farrell says Jacob Stockdale "deserves" to commencement against France successful nan Six Nations opener successful Paris connected Thursday nighttime (20:10 GMT).

The 29-year-old wing, who was subordinate of nan title successful 2018, will look successful nan title for nan first clip since facing England successful 2021.

Leinster's James Lowe has been first-choice successful nan position for nan mostly of nan games since then, but has struggled to find his champion shape since returning from nan British and Irish Lions circuit of Australia past summer.

"There's ever a statement to beryllium had and Jacob deserves it," said Farrell of nan selection.

"He's backmost to being himself this year, that's for sure. If you speak to him, he's delighted that he's simplified things and sewage backmost to what he's bully astatine which is beating people. We've seen that plentifulness this season."

With Stockdale selected connected nan near wing, Jamie Osborne gets nan motion astatine full-back.

Usual number 15 Hugo Keenan misses retired pinch a surgery thumb sustained successful training past week pinch Osborne coming successful contempt having played nary rugby since Ireland's triumph complete Japan successful November because of a enarthrosis problem.

"Knowing his temperament and really diligent he is successful his preparation, which is apical drawer by nan way, there's nary amended man," said Farrell of Osborne's readiness for a first crippled successful 3 months.

"Jacob [Stockdale] is playing well, he deserves his chance connected nan near wing. Hugo has been unbelievably unlucky. He was looking crisp coming backmost successful and I really consciousness for him to person nan thumb injury.

"You look astatine nan likes of Jimmy O'Brien aliases Mack Hansen aliases others [without Keenan] and Jamie is nan 1 who is going to capable nan spot for us. He's had a enarthrosis wounded truthful he's fit, he's surely showed that successful nan past week."