Ever since Jonathan Sexton injured his hamstring against England, talk has centred on who should replace him at No 10.
Ronan O’Gara came on against England lacking game time and struggled. Perhaps with that in mind, Declan Kidney has gone for Ulster’s Paddy Jackson against Scotland tomorrow.
So how has the 21-year-old fared in the Heineken Cup and Rabo Pro 12 this season to move him ahead of O’Gara and the likes of Ian Madigan in the fly-half pecking order?
The youngster has been an ever-present for an impressive Ulster in the Heineken Cup this season, kicking 49 points in six games in Pool 4.
Jackson was instrumental in the 41 – 17 victory over Castres in the opening pool game at Ravenhill. He kicked 21 points, including five penalties from five and three out of four penalties.
Although, Jackson was generally unerring with the boot during the campaign – with the exception of the away win at Northampton Saints where he landed less than 30 per cent of his attempts at goal – he has since ceded kicking duties to Ruan Pienaar.
Overall his conversion rate of 0.67 – or two in three to be precise - in the Heineken Cup pool stage was marginally lower than Sexton (0.71) and further behind O’Gara’s 0.84.
Jackson has also been a regular in the Rabo Pro 12 as Ulster have marched to the top of the standings, kicking 67 points in 10 games, proving to be the matchwinner against Munster in mid-September as he converted five penalties from six in a tight 20 – 19 victory.
©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Do you agree with the decision to start with Jackson ahead of O'Gara?
