Munster and Ireland out-half Jack Crowley says competition for the fly-half jersey at Ireland has helped drive players on following the November internationals.
Since the retirement of Johnny Sexton, Crowley has been the one trusted with his jersey, starting all games in the Six Nations, as well as both tests in South Africa.
After starting the defeat to New Zealand and win over Argentina, Leinster's Sam Prendergast started against Fiji and Australia, with Ciarán Frawley also in competition for the jersey, scoring the winning drop goals against the Springboks in July.
While it was often a topic of discussion prior to games, Crowley said this helped bring the players on, rather then provide a distraction.
"It is not distracting at all, because the aim is to win games and perform. The main focus is the group and how we can make it a special week by getting as win at the end of it.
"Whoever it may be in that position, we just look to push each other. Hopefully by doing that, it will get the best out of us, and we will all be able to go to new levels.
"You want to win these games, and you will take any moment you can be involved in those moments and those groups.
"The 10 jersey in Ireland has always been special. It's a special jersey and there's obviously attention around it but I think that's with credit to the players that have gone before us.
"It's exciting times to be challenging for that jersey and like I said it will make us better, and hopefully it'll take our games to a new level."
Attention for Crowley quickly turns to Munster, as they get their Champions Cup campiagn underway this Saturday against Stade Francais.
While European rugby is always special for Munster, it has been a season of change for the province.
After a diffciult start to the campaign, Head Coach Graham Rowntree depareted the province, with Crowley among the Munster players in the Ireland camp when the decision was announced.
With coaches coming and going in the weeks that have followed, it is a new look to the province since the 24-year-old was last playing in Thomond.
"We had a week of preperation before New Zealand. We obviosuly checked in with everybody back in Munster, just keeping those connections, making sure everybody is doing alright and handling that news okay and make sure we are there for one another.
"I think the environment has taken it really well. Change is something that requires a strong mindset, and that is something this group in Munster certainly has.
"Coming in this week, the way the coaching staff has integrated us back in and brought us up to speed to the great work the lads have been doing over the last few weeks has been unbeliveable.
"There is certainly an air of excitement heading into this weekend."
