Ireland assistant coach Johnny Sexton says it is important for the team’s current fly-halves to “learn some hard lessons” as they try to forge successful international careers.
Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley have shared the number 10 jersey over the past two years, while head coach Andy Farrell also has Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley at his disposal.
Crowley, 26, could start Ireland’s Six Nations game against England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday (14:10 GMT) after impressing off the bench in the win over Italy following Prendergast’s struggles.
When asked if he imparts his wisdom on them, Sexton – widely regarded as Ireland’s greatest fly-half – said: “Sometimes, I try not to too often, because it’s their journey, it doesn’t have to be the same as mine.
“But I do try to explain to them when you’re starting off you have to learn some hard lessons.
“I was learning lessons playing AIL [All-Ireland League] at 22 and 23, I got my first cap at 24.
“And I still had many bad games and many moments where I wish I could do it all over again, but that was part of my journey and they have to look at it as moments to learn and get to where they want to go.”
Sexton said it is important 23-year-old Prendergast – who cut a disconsolate figure when he was replaced by Crowley – learns from missing a couple of straightforward conversion attempts against Italy.
He also praised Crowley’s “very impressive” impact off the bench as he helped guide Ireland to a 20-13 win at Aviva Stadium.
“The difference between a good game and a bad game is when the space is there, you’ve got to go there, because if you set a phase up, it’s not going to be there the next time because teams are too good,” said the 2018 World Rugby player of the year.
“That’s the difference between club rugby and international rugby. What he did on Saturday was good in that regard and now if he starts, he’ll have to do it from minute one.
“From the start you have to manage the game a bit more, so each time whether on the bench or starting, it’s a different challenge.”
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