FARRELL REVEALS HIS HAND AS PRENDERGAST TAKES 10 JERSEY

ANDY Farrell's decision to keep faith with Sam Prendergast was the most noticeable feature of team selection for South Africa.

- BY DEREK FOLEY

At a point where Ireland are desperately seeking to turn the November series into a positive following a defeat to New Zealand, a poor performance against Japan and a win over Australia.

The coach has revealed what he believes - at the moment at least - is his coming Six Nations and therefore RWC 2027 hand and it's the 22 year-old Leinster-based out-half.

Prendergast's education is coming along apace agrees his Leinster and Ireland captain Caelan Doris, not least in that the youngster tore a trip off him earlier this season.

It was a first dressing down but, concedes the no8, what has to be a rite of passage for every out-half.

“Sam spoke very well to us last night and that’s something that is growing and growing in his game, and how he delivers a week and manages the attack within the week,” says Doris.

“We're fortunate that Sam and Jack are very smart lads and have the ability to talk and hold a room from that perspective.

“Sam's great, he's got that kind of laid-back way, but he's also very deliberate about how he trains and about wanting to get better and improve.