Sam Prendergast makes his Leinster fly-half case harder to ignore after MOTM display against Ulster

In Irish rugby, no role comes with more pressure and criticism than the role of the fly-half.

In his 18-year career, only the best was demanded from Johnny Sexton as he played for Leinster and Ireland; from dropping the goal in France in 2018, which led to a Grand Slam, to captaining his club and country until he retired in 2023.

Sexton, as Ireland’s previous first-choice number 10, will understand first-hand what Sam Prendergast is currently going through.   

From being dropped from the Irish squad and losing his starting place at Leinster to Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley, respectively, Prendergast had a point to prove upon his return to the starting XV against Ulster last Friday.

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Silence the doubters

A much-depleted Leinster side travelled to Belfast for one of the toughest interpro fixtures in Ireland, with the bookmakers making the home side strong favourites for victory.

What a perfect game for Sam to silence the doubters.

From nailing three out of four conversions, one penalty, and one try of his own, Sam put out a worthy man of the match performance and was rewarded accordingly, as Leinster held off an Ulster fightback to win 29-21.

Slick in attack, thoroughly in control as he delivered clutch key passes and, with dotting down the game-winning try himself, Sam reminded everyone that he is not to be underestimated.

Spoilt for choices

Leinster are spoiled for choice in many positions, with fly-half certainly being one of them.

Harry Byrne, brother of Ross Byrne (who won the United Rugby Championship with Leinster last year before joining Gloucester), has been outstandingly consistent this season and, for now, is firmly established as Leinster’s first-choice fly-half as the campaign nears its finale.

Frawley will play his final season with Leinster this year before reuniting with former senior coach Stuart Lancaster, now head coach of Connacht, who will undoubtedly offer him more time at fly-half and a chance to flex his muscles and develop his game in the role.

It won’t be long before Sam and Harry will be the top two number 10s of Leinster; however, both will have to put out consistent, excellent performances to be able to take the shirt from Irish international Jack Crowley of Munster, who, until further notice, has the shirt and Andy Farrell’s trust under lock and key.

Can Prendergast keep his place?

Despite a rough start for Leinster, with many players being away on international duty or injured, along with a series of lost games in South Africa, Leo Cullen’s men appear to be clicking just in time for the European semi-final against Toulon and their remaining fixtures in the URC.

No team is as scrutinised as Leinster, given the talent at their disposal, and that quality is on full display as they march towards retaining the domestic title and chasing that elusive fifth star.

Leinster face their last away game of the season on Saturday as they fly out to Treviso to play 13th-place side Benetton, a team Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber thinks will be hard to handle with scrum strength and a history of impressive line breaks.

Will Cullen go full bore and give his internationals a run out before they take on Toulon at home or will he again mix the deck and produce another impressive away victory?

One thing is for sure, based on performance, it’s highly likely that man of the match Prendergast will start.

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