Simon Easterby: Sam Prendergast at No.10 one of 'six or seven tough calls'

Easterby explained that performances in November and for their provinces had been taken into account.

DEBUT BOY: Sam Prendergast makes his Six Nations debut against England.  Pic: Billy Stickland/Inpho

Simon Easterby has explained that the selection of Sam Prendergast ahead of Jack Crowley for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England was not a “preconceived” decision and that both tens will play plenty of rugby for Ireland in the years to come.

Prendergast usurped Crowley in the starting line-up during the November internationals and continued his impressive form when wearing the No.10 for Leinster through most of the intervening period that included big URC and Champions Cup matches.