Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

competition would be a fair fight for selection between the two players 

Of course it's a fair fight. You just don't like the outcome so far. This idea that Prendergast is the chosen one is nonsense.

All these ridiculous conspiracy theories about Farrell completely overlook the fact that Crowley started the first two Autumn internationals, three months ago. It wasn't his fault we lost in Chicago but across the two games he started, it's fair to say he didn't really press his claim.

especially after helping ireland to a 6Ns title and a series draw in SA

If people want to really think about Crowley's progress through the pecking order, the SA tour is a good place to start.

He played 80 minutes of the first test, which we lost, but he played OK.

But in the second test, with the game in the balance, he came off and Frawley came on. Now, if there's one thing we know about Farrell, it's that he does not replace his trusted half-backs very often in big games. But in this instance, he did, and he replaced Crowley with a guy who isn't really an out-half, and we won the match.

And of course, there was an uncapped out-half prospect sitting in the stands watching it, who'd been training with the squad on tour.

Going from playing every minute in the 2024 6N to being substituted at a crucial time in the summer series was not a good omen. Fast forward a few months and both Crowley and then Frawley had a poor start to the November 2024, in comes Prendergast and here we are.

This did not happen overnight.

its not competition though? 

it absolutely is, and it's great for both players, and Ireland.

I'd say Crowley would be embarrassed by the excuses being made for him on here.

No team can afford a 25% conversion rate from the tee. That point is not up for debate.

Same way we couldn't afford all the missed tackles vs. France last week.

A lot going on with this team currently that can't be afforded. Hard to know what the answer is.

We need a reliable goal kicker, that's for sure. Who that is remains to be seen. Neither of the 2 main protagonists seems to be very good off the tee. Hence my question on Doak. He compares very favourably to our 10s from the tee so maybe he should be explored as an option at SH? Below are each players stats from combined URC and European Cup games.

Doak: 79%, 30/38 kicks.

Byrne: 75%, 33/44 kicks.

Crowley: 72%, 36/50 kicks.

Prendergast: 71%, 24/34 kicks.

I watch a lot of rugby, have played a lot of rugby, coached a lot of rugby and I'm at a loss as to what exactly this higher ceiling is that everyone says prendergast has. He's an excellent kicker out of hand, not as good from the tee. I wont get into the debate on his defence, commentators askig how we can hide him in the backline doesnt fill anyone with confidence that his defence is being worked on, and yes I know a lot of teams will "protect" their 10's in defence, but enough said that its needs improving, but I'm just not seeing how he drives our attack, he doesnt challenge the opposition line in attack, he seems to default to the wrap around, not sure if thats sextons fingerprints, but he isnt bringing anything special that I can see to the game, he seems to get picked off for an intercept most games….so whats the ceiling everyone speaks about, genuine question, and is it the gameplan thats not getting the best from Prendergast.

He creates more line breaks than the alternatives.

His passing ability is better.

His kicking for contestables is better.

His line kicking is better.

He doesn't often get stuck at the bottom of the ruck.

His goal kicking is broadly similar to his competition.

Better passer, kicker from hands, playmaker, spots space for teammates, but is also 3/4 years younger which is why he would have a higher ceiling.

His negatives, far worse defender than the other 2, worse place kicker than Byrne, on par with Crowley, probably not as much of a carry himself threat due to his slightness.

All in all I think it is fair to say he has a higher ceiling. If he reaches that who knows, but he has the ability to be a top class 10 in the future, the other 2 likely don't.

As others have said above though, as it stands, we currently have 3 10s that are all pretty on par with each other, and non of whom currently top class.

But the point is, when Prendergast gets a chance, you'd be hard pushed to argue that he's showing it to be the correct decision, either.

I don't think he is a better hand passer at all. I think he is a poor passer that gets the odd highlight reel friendly pass.

He drags the arsse out of every single pass with this weird double movement that really slows us down.