Jackson gets 'sneak peak' at Ellis Park
The 24-year-old No.10 from the Irish province of Ulster, admitted it has been 'all worked and no play' for him this week – as Ireland look to add another chapter to their historic tour of South Africa.
After last week's first-ever win over the Boks on South African soil, the Irish are looking to win their first series against the Boks when the two sides go head-to-head in the second Test at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Jackson, on the team's official day off, went to Ellis Park for kicking practice on Wednesday.
He returned to the iconic stadium for a second round of kicking practice on Friday.
"Everyone se went to the Lion park," Jackson said of the 
team's activities on Wednesday, adding: "I missed the shark diving last week and the Lion park this week.
"I like to get out to the stadium beforehand and get a feel for the place."
He described the Doornfontein-based stadium as "quite open" and said the altitude will test the limits of the kickers.
He added that while there wasn't a major difference in how the ball reacted, if you 'catch it sweetly' there is a difference in the travelling distance.
He admitted to being "pretty excited and nervous" ahead of last week's first Test, but said he is trying to relax.
"I really wanted to manage the team and run the game," Jackson said, adding "Jonny [Sexton] has been doing it so well for years.
"Now I have earned the trust and respect of the guys around me."
He said the "entire team" stepped up last week to secure the historic win at Newlands.
"We'll be looking to do that again this week,"
Having stepped out of the shadow of the injured Sexton with last week's performance. Jackson said he hopes to make the No.10 jersey his own.
"Jonny's had the No.10 shirt for a good while now and rightly so – he is one of the world's best players.
"I had my chance in 2013 and it didn't particularly well. Ever since I have been trying to fight my way back in – whenever I got a chance of the bench or a start it meant a lot to me.
"I am just glad I got another shot this week and hopefully I an get the No.10 jersey as much as I can."
He said he expects the Springboks to come harder at Ireland in all aspects of the game.
"The physical side of their game is huge and obviously it is going to be another massive challenge."
By Jan de Koning, in Johannesburg
@King365ed
@rugby365com
