Andy Farrell loses Johnny Sexton but wins in the long-run

Jack Crowley’s promotion left space in turn on the bench and, with the No.22 jersey filled by Leinster’s Ross Byrne, two out-halves who had been little more than afterthoughts for those jerseys when the November series started.

ASSURED: Jack Crowley of Ireland and forwards coach Paul O'Connell after their side's victory over Australia in the Bank of Ireland Nations Series. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Andy Farrell has heaped praise on his unlikely pair of backup out-halves after Ireland scraped their way to victory over a gritty Australian side at the Aviva Stadium without the injured Johnny Sexton.

The veteran skipper felt something in his calf when he indulged in some kicking practise before the team’s collective warm-up on Saturday night and was duly replaced in the line-up by 24-year old Munster ten Jack Crowley who stepped in for a full debut.