Andy Farrell is keen for Jamison Gibson-Park to put it up to Conor Murray for the no 9 jersey - and he claims Murray wants the same thing.
After off the bench cameos against Italy and France, Gibson-Park gets his first start against Wales on Friday.
"That's what we're all hoping for and deep down, I'm sure Conor is as well," said Farrell, when asked if the objective was for Leinster's scrum-half to put pressure on the long-established Munster man.
"We've got good people here. They warrant competition, whether they admit it or not, because that will make them better players and that's how we move forward as a group."
And Farrell is refusing to put a limit on the amount of players he will try out during the Autumn Nations Cup.
After the France defeat, the Ireland boss has changed almost half his side for opening Friday's clash with Wales.
In the back three, Jacob Stockdale retains the full-back role, Hugo Keenan switches wings and James Lowe comes in for Andrew Conway for his debut.
Bundee Aki makes way in the centre as Chris Farrell partners Robbie Henshaw and Sexton has his new half-back partner in Gibson-Park.
Billy Burns and Keith Earls return from injury to provide backline bench cover.
In the pack, Cian Healy and Andrew Porter again start but hooker Ronan Kelleher is also fit again and comes in for Rob Herring, with Dave Heffernan providing cover.
James Ryan partners up again with Iain Henderson, whose suspension is up, and Tadhg Beirne steps out completely as Quinn Roux comes onto the bench.
In the back row, Caelan Doris moves from blindside to no 8, with CJ Stander rested
Farrell said: "Do you know what? We might use more. We could use more.
"But, having conversations with lads last night and this morning regarding selection today - we're not promising anything for next week either.
"Each game takes its own course, you go into the Georgia game and you don't know who we'll play in the last round.
"But you would think over a period of six international games you'd certainly get through more than 34."
