Six Nations 2025: Simon Easterby unsure about Ireland favourites tag against Scotland

Easterby has made just two changes for the Scotland game, bringing in Peter O’Mahony and Robbie Henshaw while retaining Sam Prendergast at fly-half ahead of Jack Crowley.

The battle between the out-halves has attracted intense debate, but Easterby believes the attention is “part of their growth”.

“Jack had a bit more of that last year throughout the Six Nations and dealt with it really well.

“He’s also had a period of not being selected every week so that’s a different dynamic to what Sam’s going through at the moment.

“But they would share experiences with each other. Jack’s been through that and we’re fortunate to have Johnny [Sexton] in camp as well to impart some of his experiences in that position over the years, his battles with ROG [Ronan O’Gara] and how that developed over time.”

Easterby added: “They’re pretty comfortable in their own skin. They are down to earth, level-headed, extremely competitive and ambitious but understanding as well that there are ebbs and flows in life, in games and your selection.

“They’re just figuring out a the moment how to get through that and we’re supporting them the best we can.”