November to remember for Farrell's Kildare crew
Sam and Cian Prendergast each made their pressence felt for Ireland this November. Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Prendergast was preferred to Jack Crowley at fly half for Ireland’s final two games against the Wallabies – where he impressed – and against the Springboks – where he was one of five Irishmen shown a card.
The fly half selection has been a topic of endless discussion and immense controversy since even before Jonathan Sexton hung up his boots, with provincial loyalties leading to accusations of favouritism from Farrell for Prendergast over Crowley.
The Cork man’s wonderful form with Munster left Farrell little choice but to go with Crowley against New Zealand, and again a week later for Japan.
But it was Prendergast who was given the nod against Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies, where a lot was made of his importance to Ireland’s much-improved attack. His defensive frailties continued, however, leding many to presume Crowley’s physically would see him in from the start against South Africa.
But Andy Farrell is not one to be swayed by public opinion or media pressure, opting for Prendergast to lead Ireland’s attack against the most physical, intimidating side in world rugby. The Suncroft man is clearly Farrell’s preferred 10, but it remains to be seen if that preference is warranted.
A less decisive figure, Beirne is a man who breaks down provincial barriers and rivalries to bring joy to all Irish fans as he marauds around the field in his distinguished blue scrum cap.
Born of Kildare but moulded in Munster, the Eadestown man continued to transcend rugby on this island when he was recently named as the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year.
Beirne is one of only three Irish players named to start all four tests this November and the Munster captain showed himself to be Ireland’s iron man, playing all 80 minutes against Japan, Australia, and South Africa, having played just three minutes against the All Blacks thanks to that red card.
The Connacht captain has been knocking on the door of this Irish team for a couple of years now, but it seems he has finally taken his chance when shown faith from Farrell. He made a big impression off the bench against Japan and Australia, and was rewarded by covering both second row and flanker against the Sprinboks.
The Suncroft man will surely be in Farrell’s plans again when the 6 Nations rolls around in February.
Entrusted with the number 15 jersey at both Ireland and Leinster in Hugo Keenan’s absence, Naas man Osborne made it only two games into the series before a shoulder injury condemned him to a spell on the sidelines.
O’Brien replaced Osborne after that injury, but the Eadestown man failed to impress and lost his place in the 23 for the last two games.
