Ireland vs Australia: Sam Prendergast on Jack Crowley, Johnny Sexton and Wallabies fly-halves

Prendergast was propelled into senior international rugby last year without having started a Champions Cup game for Leinster.

He usurped Jack Crowley, who played every minute of Ireland’s triumphant 2024 Six Nations campaign, and remained in situ for much of this year’s championship against the backdrop of a lively fly-half debate between Irish rugby fans online.

However, having started wins over England, Scotland and Wales, he was dropped following a dismal 42-27 defeat by France that ultimately wrecked Ireland’s bid for a third successive title.

Prendergast missed out on the British and Irish Lions squad and was unable to wrest the Ireland jersey away from Crowley for the All Blacks defeat in Chicago a fortnight ago and last week’s win over Japan.

“If either of us are getting bogged down by the rotation over the last year, I suppose it’s selfish, as in we’d both say we’re being selfish,” said Prendergast, who admitted he was “disappointed” with his performance off the bench against New Zealand.

“I think we both agree it’s important to stay positive and try to contribute to the team as best we can.

“Jack has played very well the first two games and started the season really well. We both get along very well and share the same ambitions, it’s not that hard to get on. As I said, if either of us are getting bogged down by the rotation, it’s quite a selfish thing to do.”