Keith Wood says Ulster's Paddy Jackson has undoubtedly become Ireland's No 2 at out-half as the race for World Cup places continue.
Speaking on Off The Ball's Wednesday Night Rugby as always alongside The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley, Keith was full of praise for Jackson, who missed the Six Nations through injury.
"Without a doubt," said Keith, when Ger asked him if Jackson could be considered to be Jonny Sexton's leading deputy.
"What I really enjoyed was the flatness and accuracy of his passing [against Munster]. It was his pass that led to the try at the end."
Keith and Gerry also reacted to the news that former Ireland back Geordan Murphy is taking up a coaching role at Leicester Tigers to join a growing contingent of Irishmen coaching outside of this island.
"We're now beginning to see the natural progression of players who played international rugby, who can see a future in the game and there's only so many slots open in the media and for a lot of people it can be unbelievably difficult to go into general life if they've never worked in that space before," said Keith.
"I think you're going to see a huge number of players decide that this is a path they want to go to and get all their badges, to understand all the elements of coaching and to see that this can be something they can go and do and make a living from at the end of it.
"This is a great route for people who love the game. For those who have that coaching bent, it's a great opportunity for them. There's only a few slots in Ireland really to do it, especially with the demise of the importance of the All-Ireland league. Now there's only really four big teams. But until [the All-Ireland league] increases in importance, the path is overseas."
Reacting to the news that Ireland will host the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup, Keith feels it will boost participation rates and discussed the potential legacy of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Gerry felt the decision to overturn Iain Henderson's red card against Munster was the right decision, but Keith expects changes to rucking laws in the coming months and years.
He also described Henderson as a "more in control, Courtney Lawes" and a "class act", while Gerry highlighted Rory Best's contribution in helping Ulster's defence.
