Ulster take gamble on rookie Jackson
Rookie out-half Paddy Jackson has been entrusted with guiding Ulster to a first Heineken Cup final in 13 years. Coach Brian McLaughlin has taken a huge gamble in handing the 20-year-old a first European start in place of regular fly-half Ian Humphreys for the Heineken Cup semi-final showdown with Edinburgh at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
Former Methody schoolboy Jackson, a Belfast native, has started just six games for Ulster since his debut against the Scarlets 14 months ago but has seven substitute appearances to his name, including three in this Heineken Cup campaign.
Noted for his goal-kicking, abrasive tackling and vision, the Dungannon club man has starred at every level and captained the Ireland U20 side that almost eked out a Grand Slam this year.
Jackson will have happy memories of the Aviva Stadium to call on. He set up the first try in the new stadium and kicked six conversions in a 68-0 rout by a Leinster/Ulster selection of a Munster/Connacht side.
The stakes are far higher tomorrow, although he is unlikely to be encumbered with the goal-kicking duties this time given the selection of experienced Springbok Ruan Pienaar beside him at scrum-half.
© This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, April 27, 2012
