‘What are we trying to do with Sam Prendergast?’ – Brian O’Driscoll gives verdict on the Ireland fly-half situation after France struggles
Ireland fly-half options Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley, and legendary player Brian O'Driscoll.
Brian O’Driscoll wants interim head coach Simon Easterby to give Jack Crowley a shot in Ireland’s final Six Nations game of the 2025 Championship.
The Munsterman was the country’s first choice fly-half for most of 2024, taking over from the retiring Johnny Sexton, but he was usurped by Sam Prendergast midway through the Autumn Nations Series.
Prendergast has since held onto the 10 shirt for the entirety of the Six Nations so far, despite his displays being mixed.
While he shone against Scotland and produced some fine moments two weeks later in the come-from-behind triumph over Wales, the playmaker had a day to forget in the clash with France.
Prendergast struggles
Billed as the tournament’s title decider, the pivot wilted under the pressure as Les Bleus claimed a dominant 42-27 victory in Dublin.
Ahead of the French game, O’Driscoll backed Easterby to keep the status quo, stating: “I think it would be a strange change now. After picking Sam three in a row, you stay the course with it.”
However, following the France result and performance, the Ireland legend feels that it is time for the interim boss to change it up.
“I think Jack has been very effective when he’s come in. He did very well against England, has had cameo roles since then,” he told Off The Ball.
“What are we trying to do with Prendergast? He had his most difficult afternoon no doubt.
“Some kicking went a bit awry, defensively was probably exposed, even though his numbers will say he’s been a bit exposed previously. I’m never one to scrutinise goal-kicking but you need to kick that first penalty in front – he hit the post with it.
“If you look at his game, it needs a serious amount of tightening up for what should be the standard seven out of 10 that you need from your fly-half, so he can really dictate play and just do the basics extremely well.
“We’ve given him a great go, he’ll be back for more and I would imagine still is the guy in the long term, but you still have to probably be seen to reward someone with a start that has done a really good job, and has been patiently waiting in the wings.”
Why Crowley over Prendergast
O’Driscoll is not calling for Easterby to take Prendergast out of the XV due to the Leinster fly-half’s displays but believes that Crowley has “earned the right” to be selected for this clash.
“I think it’s a free shot because I don’t see France losing to Scotland, I don’t see England losing to Wales, so there’s a strong chance we’ll finish third,” he said.
“We need to give game time to guys that are in the mix and I think there’s a chance for a bit of change. You’ve got to change after a loss like this.
“Particularly in the last game when bodies are a little bit tired, this is the perfect opportunity to change it up because the pressure is off. They need to go to Italy and deliver a performance and Jack probably warrants [a start].
“It’s not because of Sam’s below-par performance but I think Jack has earned the right to start, to give him a chance to go, ‘listen, maybe I shouldn’t be the forgotten man, I’m still to be reckoned with’.
“Also to keep squad happiness to a degree, and feel as though guys are getting a proper crack at it.”
