Andy Farrell: 'Why wouldn't we take Johnny Sexton's experience on tour?'

“He's bringing himself, that's what he's bringing. All the stuff that goes with that. His remit, his role and responsibilities is the kicking side of things, like with Neil Jenkins with the fantastic work that he's done on previous tours that he's been on."

BRINING HIMSELF: Andy Farrell says that Johnny Sexton brings himsef to the table in place of coaching experience. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Think back to mid-February. Ireland have just beaten Scotland, convincingly, on the second weekend of the Six Nations. Sam Prendergast has starred and Johnny Sexton is still working in the real world while dabbling in some part-time coaching.

Imagine the odds then that, of these two Irish out-halves, it would be the one in his late-30s, whose title was chief of staff with the Ardagh Glass company, and not the twentysomething protege, who might go on to tour Australia with the British and Irish Lions.