Paddy Jackson revels in test spotlight

He might not be the finished article quite yet but within the Ireland camp there is a strong feeling that Paddy Jackson is well on the way to proving himself a genuine rival for Johnny Sexton in the chase for the green number 10 jersey.

Jackson, 24, has seized the opportunity presented by Sexton’s shoulder injury in last month’s Pro12 final, his cool and confident game management, a perfectly executed drop goal, nerveless place-kicking and wholehearted defensive work in 14-man Ireland’s opening test victory over the Springboks last Saturday earning plaudits from coaches and team-mates alike as he guided his side to an historic first win in South Africa.

Fellow Ulster and Ireland back Jared Payne believes the best is yet to come from a player who did not cope well as a 21-year-old test rookie by Declan Kidney in 2013 but who has since found his feet in international rugby.