SAM PRENDERGAST reckons his rivalry with Jack Crowley is ‘healthy’.
Leinster out-half Prendergast started at No 10 in Ireland’s Six Nations win over England at No 10 on Saturday, with Munster’s Crowley on the bench.
But Prendergast said: “I think it’s quite healthy competition. Jack is a great lad and player. I’ve seen how well he’s played.”
Fans have likened the battle for the Ireland No 10 jersey to Ronan O’Gara’s fight with Johnny Sexton in the 2010s.
But Prendergast insists there are no issues between him and Crowley.
The Leinster hotshot explained: “I think we both work together, as much as people want to think we hate each other. We just work together.
“He’s playing very well and played very well when he came on against England.”
Prendergast started and had some good moments, including a mammoth kick to give Ireland the lead.
However, he missed two conversions. Crowley was introduced and added the extras twice as Ireland’s replacements finished off the game.
But interim head coach Simon Easterby praised Prendergast for his Six Nations debut display.
Easterby said: “He did a lot of really good things out there and there are things he’ll feel he can improve on.”
