Ireland Rugby: Andy Farrell has a lot to think about in the Six Nations squad

The most enduring question about Farrell’s side has developed in the months since Ireland’s last match.

What was seen as a straight shootout between fly-halves Sam Prendergast and Jack Crawley has now become a three-way tug of war for the No.10 jersey with Harry Byrne firmly back in the mix.

The Leinster player, who at this time last year was so far behind in the pecking order that he was allowed to join Bristol on loan, started two of four pool matches in the European Champions Cup ahead of Prendergast and scored the winning penalty against La Rochelle this month.

That Prendergast was still on the pitch at the time of Bern’s winning goal presented an interesting additional issue when it came to judging the duo’s shot on target. Farrell’s continued name-checking for Byrne, who has not played Test rugby since 2024, during November was also important.

With questions lingering over Prendergast’s defensive contributions, and Crawley guiding an out-of-form Munster team, can Ireland start a fourth successive Six Nations Championship with a different player as their starter?

Scrum-half is considerably more straightforward. Leinster’s Jamison Gibson-Park has found his strength as the season has progressed, while Craig Casey is fit to be his back-up, following an injury scare this month.

Connacht’s Caolin Blade was third choice in November but has played just twice since then and it will be interesting to see if one of the other nine Western Province players, or Ulster’s Nathan Doak, comes into the mix on Wednesday.