We wrote weeks ago about the opportunity for either Ross Byrne or Jack Crowley to sneak ahead of Joey Carbery in the battle to become Ireland's unequivocal backup outhalf.
After the surprising omission of Carbery from the Andy Farrell's Six Nations squad, Crowley and Byrne were then given full license to go and grab the no.22 jersey.
Byrne's f0rm for Leinster has helped him nose in front of Crowley for selection in the last two match day squads, and during today's encounter between Ireland and France, he put in what could be a career defining shift.
While France were still within a score in the 47th minute, Byrne came on for the injured Sexton and guided Ireland home - along with his halfback partner Craig Casey - with a skilful, calm, and passionate performance.
With the World Cup just seven months away, it will be tough to usurp Byrne as Sexton's backup between now and September.
Speaking on the Virgin Media panel after the game, Rob Kearney nicely summed up the enormity of Byrne's performance.
You have to credit the bench as well enormously. O'Toole, Casey came on, Ross Byrne. These guys got valuable, valuable Championship minutes, they are proper Championship minutes, with 25 minutes to go and you've got to grind out and steer the ship home.
Myself and Matt were talking off air and he said that he could see a real look in Ross Byrne's eyes, almost a killer instinct.
When he came on, he probably knew that the next 25 minutes of this game could determine how the next few years of his career go.
If he can come on when Johnny goes off injured, steer the ship, lead Ireland home into victory. I think we now know who Ireland's No.2 out-half is.
Rob Kearney Lavishes Praise On Ross Byrne
"When he came on, he probably knew that the next 25 minutes of this game could determine how the next few years of his career go."
"We now know who Ireland's No.2 out-half is."
Rob Kearney on Ross Byrne's performance off the bench today.#IREvFRA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/Ep69M5Tfnw— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 11, 2023
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After the game, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell praised his side after their 32-19 victory, and their immense effort of his players during the latter stages of the match.
"It was two great teams going at it with the French going for an unbeaten record and us going for the home record. At the end of the day it is a victory in a competition that we want to do well at.
"We will look at that performance. I am happy with the fight and spirit that we had, it was astonishing at times especially in that last 10 minutes. Garry Ringrose's try when he was dead on his feet and Bundee Aki dropping on loose balls, with James Ryan getting off the floor to keep taking the ball in for for us."
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