Johnny Sexton remains well ahead of his out-half challengers with Ireland, but Jack Carty will need to deliver if called upon during the Six Nations or risk falling down the pecking order, according to Jamie Heaslip.
Ireland open their 2022 Guinness Six Nations account in just over two weeks at home to Wales, with RTÉ and Virgin Media Television today announcing details of its historic partnership to bring all of the tournament free-to-air for Irish sports fans.
Speaking at today's launch, Virgin Media pundit Alan Quinlan was asked with Joey Carbery out injured who is likely to fill the role as Sexton’s back-up.
"It has to be Jack Carty," the former Ireland and Munster backrower said. "His form has been exceptional. There was a bit of a hangover from the World Cup.
"The way he has played in the past few months has been really exciting. He has grown his game, he has more control and has that confidence back."
RTÉ pundit and former Leinster No 8 Heaslip said that 36-year-old Sexton remains "head and shoulders" above the challengers, and feels the Connacht man will need to deliver if called upon given the growing number of options at 10 available to Farrell.
"I think he has got to take his opportunities," he said. "It’s a bit of a last chance saloon for him I think, if he gets a chance with Ireland. There are a lot of other guys sniffing around."
Both men agree that in a highly competitive second-row, Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan look likely to start with Iain Henderson coming off the bench. Heaslip is also looking forward to seeing how Caelan Doris goes in the backrow with greater attention owing to his sterling performances for Leinster and Ireland.
"He’s got a bit of experience under his belt now at international level, coming into his own. We’ll really see what he is made of after putting down a marker."
Both men have tipped France to emerge victorious when the dust settles, with Dupont sprinkling magic dust on their title challenge, yet Heaslip believes a positive start could fuel Irish ambitions of silverware.
"You can never write England off, but France are very much favourites," he said.
"You get the sense talking to some of the players [Ireland] that there is something going on with this group, that if they get a good start, that’s all you need. You get those first two games out of the way and you have two wins under the belt, that is a lot of momentum going into the break."
On 26 March, the Women's Six Nations begins with current title holders England taking on Scotland and for the first time, it will be a standalone event, rather than alongside the men’s competition.
Long-serving Irish player Sene Naoupu says it is a significant moment for the women’s game.
"It’s massive," she said. "This is the moment we have all been waiting for the past few years. The whole point was to make the women the main event, the men’s the main event and the U-20s the main event. It’s bang, bang, bang, exposure across a long period of time.
"Certainly for the women’s game, getting eyes on the squad that is out there to take on the best in the Six Nations is something that will support the growth of the grassroots right up to the elite level. It’s win-win for all the stakeholders involved."
We have spoken the last few years about rebuilding the team, I think this is now a rebirth of the team
After much turbulence on and off the pitch in 2021, new Ireland head coach Greg McWilliams will be looking to quickly make his mark in the competition.
Home to Wales and a trip to France is how the first two weeks shapes up for the team in green, and Ireland’s 2013 Six Nations winning captain Fiona Coghlan has full belief that McWilliams is the man to lead this team into the next stage of its development.
"We have spoken the last few years about rebuilding the team, I think this is now a rebirth of the team," the RTÉ pundit said.
"Greg knows the lie of the land. While we have to give him time to bed in the squad, this Six Nations is really important as it is qualification for the World 15s.
"A top three finish is hugely important."
