Six Nations 2024: Jack Crowley can handle pressure of replacing Johnny Sexton - Conor Murray

Andy Farrell with Conor Murray and Jack Crowley (right)

Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray says Jack Crowley has been "really impressive" in his side's Six Nations wins over France and Italy.

Crowley has stepped into the void at number 10 following Johnny Sexton's retirement after the World Cup quarter-final exit to New Zealand.

The 24-year-old Munster fly-half shone in the win over Italy, scoring his first international try in a 36-0 win.

"I'm impressed with Jack, how he seems not to be fazed," reflected Murray.

The 34-year-old scrum-half, who has played the majority of his 115 appearances for Ireland alongside Sexton, has observed Crowley's growth as a player at Munster and believes his provincial and now international team-mate is handling the pressure well.

"I think anyone who gets a chance in the number 10 jersey since Johnny has retired, and the players that have played 10 before because it's a really famous jersey, it comes with an awful lot of pressure," said Murray.

"There's obviously pressure from the outside and he's putting pressure on himself, but it doesn't really show.

"I think you can talk about all his attributes as a player, but it's the way he's unfazed.

"We talked about it after the French game, everyone had good moments, bad moments, and Jack spoke in the group about a couple of mistakes and how he bounced back from them.

"I think that ability to move on to the next moment and again it's kind of a cliche thing you'd hear from sportspeople, but he really does.

"If he does make a mistake, he'll very often follow it up with something really positive in the game.

"I think I'm really impressed with his all-around game, but just mainly his ability to move on from, whether it be a good moment or a negative moment, he can quickly forget that.

"And I suppose as a number 10 who's leading us around the field, it's really important that he's not hanging on to anything like that, so I think that mentality side of it has been really impressive for me."

Jack Crowley scores his first international try for Ireland

Crowley saw off the challenge of Ciaran Frawley and Harry Byrne to earn the starting role in the Six Nations and the faith of coach Andy Farrell.

With Wales the next challenge this weekend at the Aviva Stadium, Murray says Crowley's demeanour on the pitch reminds him of a young Sexton.

"It's really enjoyable playing with Jack. I think he's quite calm," he said.

"Even when you're in the middle of a Test match and you're playing with him, the tone of voice and the chat is still really relaxed and he has a very good understanding of what he's trying to do.

"He's still a young 10. If you think about Johnny when he was that age, I'm sure he was still learning and making mistakes and doing really good things too, so that's just part of the journey for Jack.

"He's been really impressive and he's very well-respected within the group."