McCloskey backs Ireland to bounce back as he stakes claim with standout display

The Ulster star was one of the positives for Andy Farrell, in defeat to the All Blacks. 

CHICAGO FIRE: Ireland's Stuart McCloskey attempts to avoid contact. Pic: INPHO/Gary Carr

Having spent the week calling the Miracle Mile home, Saturday provided a microcosm of Stuart McCloskey’s journey down the road with Ireland. Some ferocious strides forward, a few frustrating ones back.

At 33, the Ulsterman won just his 22nd cap in Ireland’s centre and delivered the stand-out performance in green, carrying with confidence, power and penetration. The post-match stats said he’d had the most carries of any Irish player and gained the most metres with them. The eye test had already been passed with flying colours.