Paddy ready to step out of Sexton's shadow

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt named the 24-year-old in his starting team on Thursday. Regular flyhalf Jonathan Sexton was ruled out of the three-Test series in South Africa with a shoulder injury.

Jackson has only notched up 13 Test caps for Ireland since making his debut against Scotland in 2013, but he feels he has enough experience to fill Sexton's shoes.

"I have been around long enough to know how things work and I had a chance to step back and see how Joe [Schmidt] and Johnny [Sexton] orchestrated things," Jackson told reporters in Cape Town on Thursday. 

"I have been waiting for a chance and now I've got it and I am really looking forward to it. It is exciting times for me.

"I have had a decent season with the province [Ulster] and I think it's a big step up now. 

"There is going to be some nerves – it's a new challenge. Its international rugby, so it's a completely different ball game

"From that point of view I am looking forward to testing myself in that environment."

Jackson said he is looking forward to his battle with Springbok flyhalf Patrick Lambie. 

"Pat is obviously very experienced at such a young age, so I will be looking forward to the chance to go up against him.

"His kicking game is well known and he has a good running game as well, so from a defensive point of view we have to be ready. It will definitely be a tough challenge for us," he added. 

Schmidt said Jackson had learnt a lot from Sexton over the past few seasons and he is confident he will do his country proud against the Boks.   

"I think that he [Jackson] has bided his time," said Schmidt.

"He has been in camp a lot when Johnny's [Sexton] been in camp. He has seen Johnny dictate games – he [Sexton] has been the conductor of the orchestra and we are confident that Paddy can step up and do a similar job. He has boots to fill, but I think his feet will slot in quite nicely."

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com