Sam Prendergast backed to deliver against All Blacks

Sam Prendergast is set for another major test in Ireland colours as the young out-half prepares to face the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday, with Johnny Sexton continuing to support his development behind the scenes.

Sam Prendergast Prepares For Eden Park Test

Prendergast will win his 17th Ireland cap when Andy Farrell’s side face New Zealand in Auckland. Still only 23, the Leinster playmaker has already experienced a demanding rise at Test level.

After losing his place in Ireland’s matchday squad during the final rounds of the Six Nations and missing Leinster’s Champions Cup final squad, Prendergast responded strongly during the URC knockouts. He returned as Leinster’s starting out-half and was named player of the match in the final against the Bulls.

The final image from Ireland’s pre-match session at Eden Park was Sexton feeding rugby balls to Prendergast as he landed a series of drop goals from outside the 10-metre line.

Ireland captain Dan Sheehan praised Prendergast’s mental strength, preparation and leadership, saying the young out-half has shown confidence in meetings, training sessions and on the field.

“Sam’s unbelievable, how mentally strong he is off the back of a lot of attention and criticism,” said Sheenan.

“His preparation every week, he leads meetings, he chirps up for a young ten, he runs training sessions, he barks at people, reminds me of someone else in a lot of ways, and we all have Sam’s back 100 per cent, and Sam has his own back I think, which is the main thing.

"So, Sam will be perfectly fine.”