Jackson backed to kick on

Paddy Jackson will be entrusted with the goal-kicking duties at the Aviva Stadium today despite speculation to the contrary.

Ronan O’Gara stated in his Irish Examiner column yesterday that he suspected the Ireland management would give Fergus McFadden the kicking duties.

“Paddy Jackson may not play against Australia, so this is a huge opportunity for him against Samoa, even if my gut says that Fergus McFadden will be handed the kicking duties,” he wrote.