PREND OF DEBATE

Farrell nails his colours to the Sam mast as McCloskey is given massive vote of confidence

- BY DEREK FOLEY

ANDY Farrell announced the team from Ballsbridge IRFU HQ via Blanchardstown HPC with words from Bective Rangers clubhouse later.

But he may as well have just hung a big sign on the Five Lamps near Ballyboughal Bridge proclaiming ‘Sam's My Man’.

Leinster out-half Sam Prendergast, at the tender age 22, will be the prefered choice at No.10 from now until the World Cup in 2027.

But cementing in Prendergast comes the idea Ireland will back off from using the charge-up Leinster defence and put Stuart McCloskey in at first centre.

The Ulsterman is there on merit if his 92 percent win rate from 22 Ireland caps is considered but his defensive solidity is also a factor - while using him at No.12 frees up Robbie Henshaw to go to No.13.