Bernard Jackman is relishing to prospect of finally seeing Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast play against each other after the Ireland out-half rivals were named to start for Munster and Leinster, respectively, in Saturday's Croke Park URC derby (5.15pm).
"They're the two people that have been talked about most in Irish rugby for the last year and a half, and we've never got to see them play against each other," the former Leinster and Ireland hooker told 2fm's Game On.
"The sense was when they were both rested last week that this would happen, and I think it's great.
"It's not the only thing that Andy Farrell will be looking at or taking into account when he makes his selection for the All Blacks, but you'd have to feel that it will have a bearing on who gets the start over in Chicago.
"Sam's playing at home, playing with a star-studded side, so you will imagine he will have it a little bit easier.
"But that also creates an opportunity for Jack, who is the more experienced of the two, to make sure that he puts Munster on the front foot."
The RTÉ rugby analyst also identified loosehead prop as another position where players are in direct competition for Farrell's attention, following Wednesday's squad announcement for the autumn internationals.
"Michael Milne went down to Munster towards the end of last season (April) from Leinster, has started this season on fire and didn't make the Irish squad," said Jackman.
"Paddy McCarthy, who's got a couple of games for Leinster and was being very impressive, has got the nod and he's getting a chance to start on on Saturday.
"So that's another head-to-head, even though they're they're not actually scrummaging against each other.
"It's another fascinating contest, I think, in terms of being able to judge who is furthest ahead now in terms of development.
"I think they're both outstanding players, but I'd say Michael Milne feels a little bit hard done by this week."
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