Current and ex-Ireland stars leap to Sam Prendergast's defence after French flop

Current and former Ireland players have leapt to Sam Prendergast’s defence following Ireland’s disappointing loss to France.

The young playmaker struggled under intense pressure from the French, conceding a costly interception try that sealed Ireland’s fate at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris defended his teammate when queried about his tough day at the office at the post-match press conference: “Sam has had a great campaign. He showed moments of what he’s capable of today. We’ve got to get better, we’ve got to learn from it.”

Johnny Sexton’s late drop goal snatches victory in Paris 2018

Six Nations drama as Johnny Sexton snatches victory for Ireland against France in 2018.

Johnny Sexton’s late drop goal snatches victory in Paris 2018

Six Nations drama as Johnny Sexton snatches victory for Ireland against France in 2018.

The No.8 consoled the 21-year-old rookie after he threw a intercept pass that saw France go the lenght of the pitch to score in the final stages, saying he gave him “a pat on the back” after the costly error.

“I think there were five minutes left, at that stage. We just spoke about finishing strong and showing what we could do in those last five minutes. We’ve come through some tight games in the last couple of seasons, and all of the things that have happened in the last couple of years, I think we’ve come through some tight games.”

Former Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions’ fullback Rob Kearney also offered a defence for young standoff on Virgin Media Sport’s coverage of the game on Irish television: “There’s always going to be questions marks over the No.10. Today was always going to be a big day for Sam. Did he have his best game? No. Was he alone in not playing his best game in an Ireland jersey? No.”

Kearney suggested Ireland attacking problems lay elsewhere and not soley on the shoulders of Prendergast.

“The reason Ireland’s attack didn’t work today…if you can’t break the gainline, your ruck ball is slow. And, when your ruck ball is slow, it gives the opposition time and space to get set and organise. When we watch the French tries…the Irish had no time to get set and organised. They’re sort of jumping left-and-right.

“It all starts with the carry. If you don’t win the collision and get quick ruck ball as a number 10, it doesn’t matter who you have playing number 10, it’s hard to get any sort of attacking shape.”

Although social media was brutal in it’s take on Prendergast, there were some pockets of defence. Popular X account Overthehillprop offered a back-handed defence of sorts for the youngster: “I’m not buying Prendergast has been terrible. He’s playing the exact same as he has all tournament – he’s poor defensively, his primary thought is to kick the ball and Ireland going all in on him has weakened our attack overall. That’s not Prendergasts [sic] fault. That’s on Farrell.”