So the Jack Crowley v Sam Prendergast debate is here. I think this forum can keep it more civil than elsewhere.
We need to use them as a duo for the next 8+ years, it's as healthy a position we've been in at 10 ever really. ROG and Sexton were too different and both worked best in very different systems. That's not an issue for these two, they both like to play ball on the front foot and can both play in imperfect conditions.
Currently, Crowley is the only option to start big games and I'd continue with him this week. He's in a slump but seems to be coming out of it with Ireland, his first half was excellent v Argentina before going back into his shell in the third quarter. Fiji is not a game for Prendergast to start, they'll go head hunting like they did whenever Carbery played against them. Keep Prendo on the bench the next two weeks and put him into Leinster, it's the perfect way for him to learn and be successful with the sheer amount of experience he'll have around him this year. With JGP, Henshaw, Ringrose, Jordie B, Osborne, Keenan and Lowe around him in any game he'll play, there's no reason to continue with Frawley who is a limited 10 (this isn't reactionary for me, I've never been convinced that Frawley is that guy). Build Sam into a starting 10 for this time next year and make the call then based on how Crowley goes in his next 5-8 tests and possibly a mid-weeker on a Lions tour which would be great for him like Murray in 2013.
I think Sam will eventually be the starter, his skills are immaculate and he has shown he's able to run the multi-phase that elevates us. He needs to be more comfortable with the physicality off the ball and hone the multi-phase with Leinster though.
I'm excited. Play the cards right and I think we could have international class Mo'unga and Sexton dupes, if one or both can make the step up to world class after that, we'll remain a top 4 side with quality to beat anyone in the right type of game. Bring some props through in the next three years and we can be world cup contenders again, that's a less certain pathway however. I think we'll be ok at 9, JGP will get to the next world cup like Aaron Smith last year, wonderful.
Casper Gabriel on his way too. Too early to say for him and I've only seen amateur clips but we could be looking at having 3 10s aged 27, 24 and 21/22 at the next world cup. What a time for Irish rugby.
I would go as strong as we can for Fiji this year based on guys who will be available in the 2026 six nations. My selection would be:
Porter, Kelleher, Bealham / Furlong, Beirne, McCarthy, Prendergast, VdF, Doris, JGP, Crowley, Lowe / Stockdale, Henshaw, Ringrose, Hansen, Keenan / Osborne
Boyle, McCarthy, Clarkson, Ryan, Timony / Izuchukwi, Casey, Prendergast, Keenan / Osborne
The sub front row is very low on experience so I wouldn't be angry at a more experienced line up but a bit of revolution might be needed here right now.
