2024 Six Nations: Andy Farrell plays down value of Ireland fly-half succession plan

Jack Crowley was Johnny Sexton's understudy at last autumn's World Cup in France and has won 10 Ireland caps so far

Andy Farrell insists he views the battle among Ireland's young fly-half talent to fill Johnny Sexton's boots as a positive rather than having concern over the lack of a succession plan.

Jack Crowley will win his 10th cap at number 10 in Friday's Six Nations opener against France in Marseille.

Replacement fly-half Ciaran Frawley - one of only two backs in the matchday squad - has earned a solitary cap.

"You can't say that it's just down to experience," said the Ireland coach.

"It's down to performing when you get the chance."

In previous successful Ireland eras, obvious fly-half rivals and successors were there such as when Ollie Campbell and Tony Ward battled for the number 10 shirt in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the steady production line later producing 10s of the quality of Paul Dean, David Humphreys, Ronan O'Gara and latterly Sexton.

Byrne brothers also in fly-half mix

Frawley's Leinster team-mate Harry Byrne - who has made two Ireland appearances - was the other fly-half named in Farrell's squad, with his brother Ross, who has 22 caps, currently out of action with injury after being third-choice number 10 at last autumn's World Cup behind the now-retired Sexton and Crowley.

"Somebody like Jack and Ciaran Frawley, Harry not as much because he's been injured quite a bit but he's been in and around the group, they've had plenty of opportunities to show within camp that they are capable of taking the jersey," said Farrell after naming his team.

"They've now got that chance.

"It's not about giving somebody 50 caps and saying, 'the position's yours'.

"It's what's right for the team and what's best for the team. With that competition, we'll find out who's up to the task."

In the run-up to this year's tournament, Farrell also used the camp to have a look at Leinster youngster Sam Prendergast who is in his first full senior season with the province after helping Ireland clinch the Under-20 Six Nations title last year.

"Young Sam who has come in and had 10 days with us, is a pretty impressive young fellow, who is hungry enough to try and make it as soon as he possibly can."

Andy Farrell believes Matthieu Jalibert is "just as threatening" a fly-half as Romain Ntamack

While Romain Ntamack is still ruled out by the knee injury which forced him to miss his home World Cup, Matthieu Jalibert remains in the number 10 jersey for France.

Farrell insists that he the height of respect for the Bordeaux player, who will be partnered at half-back by club-mate Maxime Lucu because of Antoine Dupont's decision to focus his international attentions on preparations for his country's Sevens bid at their home Olympics this summer.

"What Jalibert brings compared to Ntamack is just as threatening really," maintained the Ireland coach.

"The speed at what he plays at and the individual flair that he's got - especially his little tricks in and around the attacking kicking game. We've seen that in abundance with Bordeaux this year.

"He isn't a facilitator as neither is Ntamack. He looks for the line himself and for the break himself."