Ireland kickstarted their campaign to win a third successive Six Nations title in style on Saturday when they recorded a dominant (if only five point) victory over England in the Aviva Stadium.
It was an impressive performance from Ireland who displayed real signs of improvement on November's struggles, challenging England both in the pack and even more so in their backline attack - where attrition and repetition proved the name of the game and nearly all the stalwarts more than earned their keep.
While emphatic performances might have guaranteed positions for many of Ireland's backs, nothing is guaranteed at out-half where both Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley impressed in different ways and once again stoked debate over who should be Ireland's number one.
For young Prendergast, it was a solid Six Nations debut. The 20-year-old proved a crucial cog in Ireland's much-improved attack, took the game to an aggressive England side through his impressive passing and kicked from his hands cuttingly. That said, he'll have been disappointed by two poorly taken conversions that hooked left and wide. He did, however, split the posts with his third, recovering nicely.
Although Prendergast was consistent, Crowley oozed confidence when he entered the fray, settling the Irish attack at a pivotal point and expertly managing Ireland to victory in the Aviva. Regardless of whether Crowley was the beneficiary of a more widespread swing in momentum or the accuracy of a tiring English side, he did not take a backward step and if nothing else made sure that Simon Easterby will once again have a difficult decision to make next week.
1 February 2025; Jack Crowley of Ireland replaces Sam Prendergast as a substitute during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
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Borthwick weighs in on Ireland outhalf debate
While yesterday's performances will do little to clarify the raging debate between Crowley and Prendergast, England manager Steve Borthwick was clear in his opinions on the matter.
Borthwick was speaking in his post-match press conference when a question about the impact of Ireland's bench saw him hail the 'significant' impact introducing Crowley for Prendergast had.
The change at 10 was pretty significant. I thought he (Crowley) played really well when he came on there in that final part of the game.
They have got quality in their team. I was looking at the teams beforehand and on their bench I think they had almost as many caps as we had in our whole 23.
I was looking at it going, ‘this is going to be a test for us’ and ultimately we came up short, and I am really disappointed we came up short because I thought we could come here and win the game.
Borthwick's statement was an evidently strong endorsement of Munster's Jack Crowley. Although it's unlikely to have an impact on who eventually lays claim to the jersey once worn by Irish greats Johnny Sexton and Ronan O'Gara - it does prove that this is far from a foregone conclusion or a one-horse race.
For the moment at least, the competition seems to be inspiring the best in both the Munster and Leinster men.
