Scotland 18-32 Ireland: ‘Master of control’ Sam Prendergast shines in Murrayfield win

Sam Prendergast tightened his grip on Ireland’s number 10 jersey with an impressive display in Sunday’s dominant win over Scotland at Murrayfield, but he is staying level-headed while the hype around him continues to grow.

Prendergast, 21, had not played an away fixture for Ireland before Sunday and was winning just his fifth cap in a team filled with experience.

But he looked as comfortable as any player in green, scoring 12 points while orchestrating the attack through an impressive range of passing, kicking and decision-making.

Speaking on the BBC’s television coverage, legendary Irish out-half Ronan O’Gara showered praise on the Leinster youngster, labelling him a “master of control”.

“[Prendergast has] been one of the shining lights, one of the three best performers on the pitch,” O’Gara said after Ireland’s powerful first-half display put them 17-5 ahead.

“He’s very composed, a good kick strategy, good decisions on when to run, when to kick, when to play the ball in front of his forwards.

“He’s been a master of control.”

While a smiling Prendergast insists he did “not particularly” feel like O’Gara’s description, he was happy to receive a “nice compliment from a very good player” while consciously focusing on the team’s fast start.

“I thought it was really good and it just kind of let us build a bit of momentum,” said Prendergast, who was named player of the match.