Rob Herring confident Ulster teammate Jacob Stockdale can replicate club form at 15

The starting slot at hooker is still up for grabs with the retirement of Rory Best last year - and Rob Herring could be the man for the job

Rob Herring on Ulster and Ireland teammate Jacob Stockdale: 'He's put in the hard yards in training and he's looking really good'. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Rob Herring is confident that his Ulster teammate Jacob Stockdale can stake a long-term claim to Ireland's No 15 jersey against Italy this weekend.

The 24-year old try machine has started five of his province's seven games at full-back since rugby's restart but the injury to Jordan Larmour has now opened the door for this big audition in the role on the test stage.