Sexton's understudies have proven ability to 'drive the ship' 

There’s no doubt that the whole No.10 topic is a headache, however. 

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Jack Crowley. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Rare is the man or woman who can command a room just by entering it. Scarce again are those folk who can dominate one in their absence.

Andy Farrell has 41 of his 42-strong preliminary squad available to him as Ireland turn into a first World Cup warm-up game against Italy at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday but no prizes for guessing who and what continues to dominate the agenda just over a month out from the tournament.