Jacob Stockdale has been announced as the Player of the Six Nations.
The Ulster winger ripped it up in his remarkable debut campaign. Scorer of seven tries in just five games, he’s now out on his own as the competition’s record try scorer.
“I think [Jacob] Stockdale is like a new age Savea. He just can’t stop scoring, no one can tackle him, it’s so enjoyable,” said former Irish international Kevin McLaughlin on the most recent Hard Yards episode.
So many of his tries came at crucial moments for Joe Schmidt’s side too. Two first half efforts gave Ireland breathing space against the Scots, he was on hand to scorch Italy, and stunned England just before half-time at Twickenham.
His Defence, which had been under scrutiny coming into the competition, was tested on various occasions but he was always up for the challenge. His intercept against Wales was a vital, tournament changing moment.
A public vote for Player of the Tournament was arranged by the tournament organisers and over 78’000 votes were cast.
Stockdale was tipped to land the spoils and that he did, earning 32% of the vote.
Just behind him were more Irish players with Conor Murray ranking in second place with 18.2%. Johnny Sexton was third on 18% while Munster winger Keith Earls was just behind him in fourth place with 14% giving him a vote of confidence.
