Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast rivalry ‘spilled over’ last Autumn

"There’s definitely a rivalry."

Ahead of tomorrow's Ireland team selection for Saturday's showdown with England, the most pressing question is who will start at out-half.

Both Munster's Jack Crowley and Leinster's Sam Prendergast have a fair claim, with each men in form and capable of brining their own set of skills to the international stage.

During the Autumn Nations Series, Crowley started against the All Blacks and Argentina, with Prendergast coming off the bench in the latter for his debut.

He subsequently started against Fiji and did enough to keep his place in the victory against Australia.

According to the Irish Independent's Ruaidhrí O'Connor, "their competitiveness spilled over at times in November", although there has been no evidence of this during the current camp in Portugal.

Former Leinster and Ireland out-half Johnny Sexton has continued to work with the squad in Quinta do Lago, with a particular focus on the three No 10s in the squad, including Ciarán Frawley.

Backs coach Andrew Goodman said: “They have a great laugh together, the young No 10s all work well together and there’s often times they’re together chewing the fat around the game.

“It’s a massive benefit for them and the team and their provinces as well.”

On the battle between Prendergast and Crowley, he added: "There’s definitely a rivalry.

“You’ve got to get the balance right of coming in and competing, but ultimately when the team is named or the team, the bench and one is in the team, one’s on the bench and one’s not going to be playing . . . so when you get to that stage you’ve got to help those guys perform as best you can.

“That’s what being a great team member is and it’s something I’ve learnt a lot about since coming into this Irish environment.”