Iain Henderson backs Jacob Stockdale to fight for World Cup spot

Iain Henderson has backed Ireland and Ulster team-mate Jacob Stockdale to return to his devastating best as he bids to force his way into Andy Farrell's World Cup squad.

Stockdale will make his first international appearance in more than two years in Saturday evening’s warm-up clash with Italy following a difficult period in his stalled Test career.

The 27-year-old wing was player of the championship when his seven tries helped Ireland clinch a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2018 and first choice on the left flank under Joe Schmidt at the following year’s World Cup in Japan.

But in part due to injuries, he has struggled to make an impact during the Farrell era and has work to do to ensure he is on the plane to France having slipped behind James Lowe and Mack Hansen in the pecking order.

Lock Henderson, who will captain his country against the Azzurri, believes Stockdale still possesses the attributes and quality to rediscover top form.

"Jacob’s an incredible athlete, you still see him in training doing phenomenal things," he said.

"At that time (2018), our team was in a hot run of form and Jacob finished off a lot of very well-created tries from the whole team.

"He still has all of those athletic attributes, he still has the mindset and desire, he still has age on his side.

"For anyone who knows Jacob personally, he’s not one to give up in terms of any sort of argument or fight you get into with him.

"Knowing his personality, knowing what he has, I don’t think there’s any reason why we shouldn’t see another 2018 Jacob Stockdale coming out again. I think that’s exciting for him, exciting for everyone else.

"He knows himself he has to be patient and continue to work away. He won’t throw the head up and I know Jacob will plug away at it."