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PADDY JACKSON’S MOST recent Ireland appearance came against Italy in the 2014 Six Nations, but it’s looking increasingly certain that the 23-year-old will add to his tally of nine caps later this year.
Jackson kicks the conversion that earned Ulster a draw. Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO
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For now, the Guinness Pro12 occupies the Ulster out-half’s thoughts and his excellence in the 10 shirt was a standout feature in yesterday’s 23-23 draw with Munster at Kingspan Stadium.
It was Jackson’s last-gasp conversion that ensured a share of the spoils for Neil Doak’s side, after he had set up Paul Marshall’s try with a clever skip pass.
That moment of strong decision making and accurate execution was typical of an in-form, confident and evidently relaxed Jackson. Having recovered from an elbow injury sustained against Toulon back in January, the Ulsterman has been in superb form.
Watching on live in Belfast yesterday, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will have been impressed once again as Jackson showed great nerve to slot that decisive final kick, ensuring a 100% return off the tee.
“I’ve still got a bit of work to do with my kicking out of hand but they covered the backfield well and the game was so open it was trying at times just worrying about our kick chase and having numbers on our feet. It’s something to work on.”
Jackson hasn’t enjoyed the place-kicking duties as often as he might wish this season with Ulster, as Ruan Pienaar’s reliability and range have been preferred in the biggest games.
Jackson and his Ulster teammates got superb support again at Kingspan Stadium. Source: Presseye/William Cherry/INPHO
However, Doak said the South African had been struggling to prove his full match fitness this week, meaning Ulster removed the burden of that additional pressure. Jackson took it on with comfort.