Sam Prendergast admitted that there were a few butterflies in his stomach as he prepared to make his Six Nations bow against England on Saturday.
In what was only the 22-year-old’s fourth international cap, and first Six Nations start, the Leinster man did a remarkable job of hiding any nerves that he may have felt pre-match.
During his close to 60 minutes on the field of play, Prendergast delivered another composed performance as Ireland went about capturing a third championship in succession in the best possible fashion.
With a solid kicking game and never scared to throw a long pass, some are already making comparisons with Johnny Sexton.
Their playing careers at Leinster may have never overlapped but with Sexton now involved with the Irish half-backs on a part-time basis, Prendergast and the other Irish playmakers are learning first hand from one of the best players Ireland has ever produced.
“He’s very good when he’s in,” said Prendergast.
“He’s exceptionally helpful and as I said before, I didn’t get to spend a whole lot of time with him when we were both players. I didn’t know him too well so it’s just great to learn different things that he does.”
“He offers a lot more than just kicking. He has an unbelievable rugby brain. That’s why he’s one of the best Ireland have ever had, and one of the best the world has had so it’s brilliant to learn off him.”
Prendergast also showed that he has a tough mental side to his game as well.
Off target with two conversion attempts, Prendergast’s decision to kick a 56th penalty at goal came as a surprise to many. But as he explains, it was an easy decision based on the context of the game.
“I think it’s very situational.
“There’s times in the first half where they were on a yellow card, we feel like we can put a bit of pressure on them by scoring a try.
“I think where that penalty was, there was a decent enough wind out there that maybe most people mightn’t have noticed with us in the second half.
“So, it was very situational. It was a drawn game at that stage and we needed to nudge ourselves ahead.”
That successful kick knocked Ireland into the lead for the first time and helped ignite a devasting 16-minute spell that saw Ireland race into a 17-point advantage.
After doing his bit for the cause, Prendergast was replaced by Jack Crowley.
After a previous lack of depth at out-half, a new exciting rivalry is brewing at out-half with Crowley. And as Prendergast explains, it’s a healthy one.
“Like I think it’s quite healthy competition.
“Jack is a great lad and a great player. I’ve seen how well he’s played, so I think we kind of work well together.
“As much as people think we hate each other we just work together and I think he’s playing well at the moment and I thought he played well when he came on.”
