Despite this the Leinster man kept his place for the defeat of France, before O’Gara took the fly-half spot for games with Scotland and Wales.

Sexton was brought back in for the Grand Slam denying win over England, starring and kicking 14 points in the process

And although the duo are likely to battle it out all the way to the World Cup, Sexton insists the two remain good friends despite the rivalry.

"We're good friends now, though we probably didn't get off to the best of starts," said Sexton.

"I'm sure we'll be back killing each other in two weeks' time when we play Munster at Thomond Park, but we're great friends right now building towards the World Cup.

"We have a good laugh about the talk over who's the Irish number 10 - we're fully aware that when one plays well, the others get criticised.

"That's not how it should work but I've learnt a lot in that respect over the last few weeks. You mature from it.

"There's a lot of support out there for Ronan and he deserves it after what he's done for Munster and Irish rugby.

"I'll have to put in a few more performances like that to get the support he's had."