Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has defended fly-half Sam Prendergast, with the Irishman insisting that questions about the young player's tackling ability are "loaded".
Prendergast started last week's 46-19 win over Australia after Jack Crowley wore the number 10 jersey against New Zealand and Japan. While Leinster's Prendergast shone in attack against the Wallabies, his weakness in the tackle was exposed when Len Ikitau barged past him to score Australia's first try.
Farrell said that he understood the question about Prendergast's tackling but claimed that it is a "work-on" for everyone. He pointed out that every player has areas they need to improve and that Prendergast's skillset as a fly-half far outweighs any weaknesses in his game.
When pressed on whether he had spoken to Prendergast about his technique, Farrell responded by saying that the questions are "loaded" and that they could be asked about any single player. He also emphasized that coaches constantly talk to their players about all aspects of their play, not just one specific issue.
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has a different view on Prendergast's game, describing him as having "a toughness about him". Erasmus says that the 22-year-old is a big fellow who always wants the ball in his hands and has got guts. He also notes that people are focusing too much on Prendergast's tackling, which he believes is not his strongest area.
Farrell sees Saturday's contest with South Africa as a key test for his squad in their final game before the 2026 Six Nations. He expects the Springboks to bring immense physicality to the match and emphasized that matching this will be crucial for Ireland's success.
Prendergast started last week's 46-19 win over Australia after Jack Crowley wore the number 10 jersey against New Zealand and Japan. While Leinster's Prendergast shone in attack against the Wallabies, his weakness in the tackle was exposed when Len Ikitau barged past him to score Australia's first try.
Farrell said that he understood the question about Prendergast's tackling but claimed that it is a "work-on" for everyone. He pointed out that every player has areas they need to improve and that Prendergast's skillset as a fly-half far outweighs any weaknesses in his game.
When pressed on whether he had spoken to Prendergast about his technique, Farrell responded by saying that the questions are "loaded" and that they could be asked about any single player. He also emphasized that coaches constantly talk to their players about all aspects of their play, not just one specific issue.
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has a different view on Prendergast's game, describing him as having "a toughness about him". Erasmus says that the 22-year-old is a big fellow who always wants the ball in his hands and has got guts. He also notes that people are focusing too much on Prendergast's tackling, which he believes is not his strongest area.
Farrell sees Saturday's contest with South Africa as a key test for his squad in their final game before the 2026 Six Nations. He expects the Springboks to bring immense physicality to the match and emphasized that matching this will be crucial for Ireland's success.
. Farrell's just deflecting attention from Prendergast's tackling issues by saying everyone's got areas they need improvement - big whoop 
. And then Erasmus comes along and tries to sugarcoat it by calling him a "tough" player... yeah, right 
. The truth is, Prendergast had some major problems with tackling against Australia, and now he's got the big game on Saturday - can't wait to see how that plays out 
. And let's be real, if Ireland loses, it'll just be another excuse for Farrell to say everyone was "loaded" with questions 
... I mean, Im sure he can work on it, but lets not forget hes a fly-half, not a fullback or lock 
. Erasmus seems to have a more balanced view of him, and thats fair play. Farrells just trying to keep him calm and focused, you know? 
... like how Prendergast lit up the attack against Australia. lets give the lad some credit for his skills in open play, ya know? 
... but I think Ireland's squad has what it takes to match them 
. I mean, on one hand, I think Andy Farrell has a point that tackling is just something everyone needs to work on, you know? Like, it's not like Prendergast's trying to tackle anyone or anything... 
But at the same time, Erasmus' comments about Prendergast having "toughness" and always wanting the ball... that's actually kind of inspiring? 
.