The goal-kicking stats behind Ireland’s out-halves may surprise you

It's not great.

And it is still a three-horse to who will wear the number 10 jersey.

Kicking % of Crowley, Byrne, Prendergast

There are arguments for and against Jack Crowley, Harry Byrne and Sam Prendergast.

However, it was Munster's Crowley who came in for the most criticism after the weekend's European games.

Much of it was warranted. The 26-year-old kicked only two from five in his side's 29-31 loss, as Castres knocked them out of the Champions Cup.

Furthermore, his goal kicking throughout his pro career has flattered to deceive.

But what exactly are his stats from the tee this season, and how to they stack up against his rivals.

Taking his URC, Champions Cup and Ireland games into account, the Corkonian's goal kicking is at 72%.

Breaking this down, he is 11 from 13 with Ireland, 9 from 16 in the Champions Cup, and 16 from 21 in the URC.

When stacking this up against Prendergast and Byrne, the talk around this area of his games comes across as harsh.

Byrne has the best reputation, and following his game-winning kick against La Rochelle, this is understandable.

Importantly, he does have the best percentage this season, but not by much at 75%, and he has taken less shots than Crowley.

Of his 44 kicks, he has kicked 11 from 13 in Europe, 14 from 22 in the URC, and 8 from 9 with Ireland XV.

Prendergast, who is the favourite to start versus France, is at 71%.

He is 6 from 9 with Ireland, 4 from 8 in Europe, and 14 from 17 in the URC.

While he is statistically the worst off the tee, it is not by much.

Put it this way, if he scores one more kick, he will be ahead of Crowley.

Not looking good for Ireland

Therefore, there is not much of an argument that one should start over the others due to proficiency off the tee.

However, what can be deduced, is that the numbers do not inspire confidence, with none over 80%.