Jacob Stockdale: Johnny Sexton return gives us confidence and motivation

Jacob Stockdale: Johnny Sexton a very competitive player but in terms of preparation, there's no better player in the world. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

There are numerous reasons why Ireland are better off with Johnny Sexton on the pitch rather than off but Jacob Stockdale managed to find another this week in anticipation of the captain’s return on Saturday.

Ireland’s fly-half and skipper is fit again after the hamstring strain that forced him out during the opening Autumn Nations Cup game with Wales on November 13. The void has been filled with varying degrees of success, Ross Byrne failing to unpick England’s defence in an 18-7 defeat at Twickenham but Billy Burns impressing in his first start with a try-scoring first half against Georgia last Sunday before giving into a groin injury that keeps him out of tomorrow’s finale against Scotland at Aviva Stadium.