Based purely on their performance stats, there’s little to separate the two top contenders for pivotal outhalf role ...

Jack is a great lad and player ... But Prendergast insists there are no issues between him and Crowley. The Leinster hotshot explained: “I think we both work together, as much as people want ...

Easterby admits it was a “tough selection call” on the back of Crowley’s impressive cameo ... “We know as well that Jack is itching to get a start in the 10 jersey.

“The way Jack has trained and played coming into the Six Nations means that Sam knows he’s got to keep raising his game and keep getting better.” Crowley appeared to be the natural successor ...