By and large, this season has seen Paddy Jackson’s Test career stall a tad. But his development as an outhalf has progressed significantly, and, lest we forget, he is still only 24. His best is still to come.
Jackson hasn’t started a game for Ireland since the opening World Cup warm-up game away to Wales, and hasn’t featured since a replacement’s cameo in the win over Romania. But that is largely down to the greater versatility Ian Madigan offers, in that he covers ‘10’, ‘12’ and, if needs be, ‘15’ off the bench.
In the heel of the hunt, Jackson has still won 13 caps for Ireland, whereas his counterpart in tomorrow's crunch game in a 17,370 sell-out Kingspan Stadium, Johnny Sexton, didn't make his Test debut until he was 24. He has also played over a century of games for Ulster, more than twice Sexton's tally for Leinster at the same point in his career. Maybe we should cut him some slack.
After all, the case histories of Sexton, Eric Elwood, David Humphreys and Ronan O'Gara, all show that the careers of Irish outhalves tend to blossom in their late 20s and even 30s. It's a position that requires experience, and Jackson is gathering plenty.
Leadership role
This season, he has assumed more of a leadership role under the watch of Les Kiss, who has consistently hailed Jackson’s performance levels as the creative general of a team and a backline that at times has purred better than any in Irish rugby, as well as assuming the goal-kicking duties from Ruan Pienaar.
“It’s just naturally progressed a bit, the longer I’ve been here,” he says in that slightly guarded, understated way of his. “I’ve been here a good few seasons now and I’m used to the calls and used to the players, and trying to get the best out of other players. Getting the chance to captain the side twice was a great experience. It just naturally comes with a bit of experience.”
Kiss has also spoken of leaning on Jackson but this cuts both ways. “We need to be on the same page, so if I have any questions or queries about how he wants us to be playing, and likewise, it’s good to have that two-way system where we’re feeding off each other. I’ve really enjoyed working with him and I’ve definitely learnt a lot,” says the outhalf.
Jackson readily acknowledges the importance of Saturday’s game, when Ulster’s need for a win to maintain their top four place is even more acute than Leinster’s need to nail down a home semi-final. The visitors will bring the best defence in the league and, epitomised by Sexton, plenty of savvy.
Asked whether it was a case of outmuscling or outthinking Leinster, Jackson said: “I think outthinking and outplaying them. Hopefully if the weather’s good, both sides will be able to play. For me, I want to get the team running and the backline moving. I want to play a bit of ball.”
Joe Schmidt will not be alone in keeping a close eye on some of the match-ups, of which the one at ‘10’ is the most eye-catching.
“You can try and block it out, but it’s obviously going to be there in your mind,” admits Jackson. “Whether it’s Johnny or Mads, we’re going up against each other, but . . .I’ll just be trying to focus on my own game.”
Madigan’s decision to relocate to Bordeaux from next season onwards, described by Joe Schmidt as “unfortunate” appears to have enhanced Jackson’s chances of breaking into the Irish match-day squad more regularly.
“I don’t think it was a decision he made lightly,” said Jackson. “Talking to him, he took a lot of time to do that, and I definitely respect him for doing that. It must have been difficult. He’s had a lot of time at Leinster, but ultimately he wants to be a starting 10, or starting on the pitch, and it hasn’t always been happening for him. It’s a good move for him . . .”
Still, you sense Jackson’s career graph may be hitting an upward trajectory again.
