Ronan O’Gara hints at who he thinks will start at out-half for Ireland in the Six Nations

"If Sam starts, it’s not such a big deal anymore."

With the Autumn Nations Series wrapped up, attention turns to the Champions Cup and the performances of those vying for Ireland places ahead of February's Six Nations.

All eyes will be on Jack Crowley for Munster against Stade Francais, and Sam Prendergast for Leinster away to Bristol Bears.

Crowley had the last say in the battle for the Ireland No 10 jersey, after a game-clinching performance off the bench against the Wallabies.

But it is still all to play for with four Champions Cup games before Ireland welcome England on February 1.

Ronan O'Gara has his say on Jack Crowley vs Sam Prendergast

Speaking after the Autumn Nations Series, Crowley touched on his rivalry with Prendergast, the healthy competition, and their friendship.

Now former Munster and Ireland out-half, Ronan O'Gara, has weighed in on the debate.

O'Gara - currently head coach of La Rochelle - famously battled with David Humphreys and Johnny Sexton for the coveted jersey.

In his column for the Examiner, he did not explicitly say who he thinks is ahead in the race, but hinted at the one he thinks may have the advantage.

He wrote: "With the Prendergast selection against Australia, Simon Easterby now has the scope, without pressure, of going whichever way he pleases in the Six Nations opener against the English,

"If Sam starts, it’s not such a big deal anymore.

"If Leinster are going well in Europe with Prendergast at the wheel, it is going to be some job for Crowley to shift him.

"Hence the Munster man has a delicate balancing act of striving for top form while not making it about him.

"It’s 50-50 in my book and whoever has the better four games in Europe probably gets the jersey in the spring, at least for the opener."