Exclusion drove Stockdale daft and it needed the lay-off that came with a January 2022 ankle operation for him to finally realise he was too caught up by it all. Nearly three years later, he is mentally in a very different place when it comes to his rugby.
Ioan Lloyd feels he has benefited from the presence of former international half-backs Neil Jenkins and Rob Howley in adapting to life as Wales’ number 10.
The Connacht wing is set to play in Saturday’s clash with England.
Wales boss Warren Gatland says he is relishing the prospect of a “fantastic” Guinness Six Nations opener against world number one team Ireland.
It’s probably a good thing that the Springboks play Ireland and France first up because the men in green and gold can lay down a marker with back-to-back victories, says Neil de Kock.
Former Irish international Neil Francis has taken aim at All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, his captain Sam Cane, and even the inexperience of Leicester Fainga'anuku in the wake of Ireland's 23-12 win in the second test.
Warren Gatland has never been afraid to take the tough calls in the pursuit of victory
The toughest tour in sport gives players the chance to be remembered as greats of the game
Caelan Doris' ascent to the top of Irish rugby has surprised nobody - but the best is still to come.