The big man is posting some big numbers and puncturing defences in PRO12 and European rugby.
Ulster breathed some life back into their Champions Cup campaign, last night, after they crushed four-time European champions Toulouse 38-0.
Players such as Kyle McCall, Alan O’Connor and Andrew Trimble had fine games but Stuart McCloskey stood out with a display of hard-running rugby.
The 23-year-old centre made 61 metres off 10 carries, which included one clean break and eight beaten defenders. He also landed nine tackles in stout defence.
In the 53rd minute, McCloskey took a Paddy Jackson pass and put the boot down. His side-step, at pace, was a joy to watch.
McCloskey’s form over the past year has been mightily impressive.
He finished 2014/15 on a high and was selected for Emerging Ireland and the Tbilisi Cup. Whilst in Georgia he was lauded by his coaches.
He missed out on World Cup selection but picked up this season, for Ulster, where he left off.
In the PRO12, the big man averages 11 carries, an offload, three defenders beaten and over seven tackles per game. He has scored three tries in all competitions and converted eight kicks off the tee.
With Jared Payne still out injured, McCloskey has made a strong case for selection in Joe Schmidt’s Six Nations squad, next year.
Robbie Henshaw can switch to the No.13 role and leave the Ulster centre to the bullocking runs.
Wales are first up, in February, and, if Schmidt takes the plunge, they won’t know what hit them.
POTENTIAL IRELAND XV
Backs: Rob Kearney; Andrew Trimble, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey, Luke Fitzgerald; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray.
Forwards: Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Marty Moore; Donnacha Ryan, Devin Toner; CJ Stander, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip.
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