British and Irish Lions Tour: Prendergast’s Chances Harmed by Leinster Defeat
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The British and Irish Lions tour squad is set to be announced on Thursday, and according to pundits Bernard Jackman and John Murphy, Sam Prendergast’s chances of making the team have been harmed by Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints. The 22-year-old out-half had been one of the leading contenders for the Lions’ number 10 shirt after a strong start to the Six Nations earlier this year, but his defensive abilities have been exposed by several sides, both for Ireland and Leinster.
Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby podcast, Jackman and Murphy, who both coached Prendergast at Newbridge College, believe that Fin Smith, Finn Russell, and Owen Farrell will be three out-halves celebrating their inclusion in the Lions squad. “Pre last weekend, I’m biased but I thought it was going to be Finn [Russell], Fin [Smith] and Sam [Prendergast], but I think after the weekend, I think Farrell comes back into the mix because he covers multiple positions,” Murphy told the podcast, as reported by RTÉ.
The out-half position has been a key area of focus for the Lions, with head coach Andy Farrell set to name his touring squad on Thursday afternoon. A healthy contingent of Ireland internationals is expected to be involved, given the strong Irish influence on the coaching team. However, Jackman believes that the same trio will make Thursday’s Lions squad, and says that Andy Farrell shouldn’t select his team based on what’s best for Irish rugby. “There’s a narrative that Farrell has to bring some Irish players for development. That’s nonsense. If he does that, I think the Lions will lose,” Jackman said, as quoted by RTÉ.
Jackman also believes that Prendergast’s defensive issues have to be addressed over the summer. “Going on tour with Ireland, or having a summer to do strength and conditioning might not be a bad thing either,” he said. “They would have to work out why his defence is so bad. Is it footwork, is it movement, is it strength, is it tackle technique?” According to RTÉ, Jackman thinks that the Irish system should be best in class, and that Prendergast needs to work on his defence.
The former Ireland and Leinster hooker also believes that Prendergast may not make the initial group, but may get called up if there are injuries. “I thought he would be traveling, but now I think it would be an unbelievably tough call for Andy Farrell to pick him,” Jackman said. “That’s elite sport. It’s ruthless. Winners are grinners and hence we’re critical this morning of Leinster, because they haven’t won,” as reported by RTÉ.
Murphy also thinks that the Lions will select a player who can cover multiple positions, including the number 10 shirt. “It’s going to be interesting to see what the fallout is from the weekend,” he said. “In particular, you would imagine Fin Smith, after the weekend he’s had, he’s nailed on behind Finn Russell, and then it’s that third 10, who they look at there. Do they bring someone who can play multiple positions, but can cover 10? That’s one of the main talking points, if they bring three 10s, who will the third be. Does Owen Farrell come back into the mix as third choice?” according to RTÉ.
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