'Prendergast and Crowley still vying for fly-half spot'

After a successful British and Irish Lions sabbatical and some time spent promoting his book, Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad for next month's November Tests against New Zealand, Japan, Australia and South Africa.

In a squad devoid of headline-grabbing omissions, the focus remains on who is in as opposed to who is not.

And while it is a path well-trodden at this stage, the rightful incumbent of the number 10 jersey continues to stir interest and debate.

When Farrell departed on his Lions sabbatical, Leinster's Sam Prendergast was Ireland's starting fly-half, having usurped Jack Crowley during last year's autumn Tests.

But after a strong start to his first Six Nations, Prendergast struggled in the defeat by France and dropped to the bench behind Munster's Crowley for the final game against Italy.

Farrell did not bring either player on the Lions tour, and while they each started one game over the summer, routine wins over Georgia and Portugal most likely will not shape the head coach's thinking for the All Blacks game in Chicago on 1 November.

With his squad already named, Farrell will watch Saturday's United Rugby Championship game at Croke Park between Leinster and Munster with interest.

The provinces will not name their teams until Friday lunchtime, but if Prendergast and Crowley start - having both been rested last weekend - it will be the first time they have come up against each other.

While Farrell will undoubtedly consider more than their respective performances in one URC game, it is certainly an intriguing opportunity for Prendergast and Crowley to put their hand up in what will be their last match for club or country before Soldier Field.