Donal Lenihan: Jacob Stockdale must seize the moment if he wants that No.15 jersey

In the recent past, I have been critical of supporters still in the bars when the captain leads out the troops - but this was surreal

FAST FORWARD: Ireland full-back Jacob Stockdale makes a break during the Six Nations clash with Italy at the Aviva Stadium. Stockdale has been offered the chance to take ownership of the No 15 shirt and how he performs against France and England will be key. Picture: Brendan Moran

Without question, the most bizarre Six Nations game I’ve ever seen. Has an Irish team ever taken to the hallowed turf of Lansdowne Road to such a muted welcome?

In the recent past, I have been critical of supporters still in the bars when the captain leads out the troops to vast tracts of empty seats but for Jonny Sexton to do so to the sound of silence for a game of this magnitude must have been surreal. Credit to the players who just put the head down and got on with things against Italy on Saturday.