Ireland vs Fiji: Andy Farrell ‘confident’ Sam Prendergast can handle first Test start
Farrell made seven changes for the match against Fiji, with Ulster back-row Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy making their debuts.
“Izzy has been in the team for a while now. The first Ireland Emerging Tour was the first time we saw what he’s capable of, his athleticism and what makes him special,” Farrell said .
“That was a few years ago but the maturity of his game has improved because when the first tour started he was still quite young in the 15s but the first and second tours The difference between games is like chalk and cheese.
“His abilities and potential are so mature and he deserves the opportunity to show all of us what he has got.”
McCarthy, who captained Ireland Under-20s to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023, said: “He’s always been a captain and you can see why because he’s got a lot of maturity in his game.”
He added: “We took him as a development player for the training week (to Portugal) and he did unbelievable. He forced us to keep him in the squad first and he’s worth a try, look. What can he do as well.”
