Eddie Jones makes Sam Prendergast observation as incredible ‘depth of talent’ within French rugby hailed
Eddie Jones backs Irish playmaker as French depth prevails
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has compared the young Irish fly-half Sam Prendergast to that of France star Matthieu Jalibert.
The duo faced each other on Thursday night in the 2026 Six Nations opener at the Stade de France, as the home side secured a bonus point victory over the men in green.
Despite the final scoreline, which suggested that France won comfortably, it was very much a game of two halves. Although they went in 22 points to the good at the half, France failed to extend their lead in the second, conceding 14 points before finally adding to the scoresheet in the last play.
At times, however, France were simply unplayable. Their speed of ball, both from the ruck and open play, was something to be marvelled at, and the finishing prowess of Louis Bielle-Biarrey was simply mesmerising.
Despite various injuries, illnesses and exclusions, France still appear to be the team to beat this Six Nations. Their strength in depth is exceedingly impressive, and it’s no coincidence that all these fantastic players are playing in the same era. According to Jones, it’s by design.
France’s strength in depth
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones said: “If we just go back a step with the French, the depth of their talents comes from a strategic move by the French Rugby Union. They were awarded the World Cup in 2023, and they changed. They were able, with the clubs, to change the number of foreign players playing in the Top 14.
“As a result, rather than having teams full of foreign players, young players were able to come through, and we’re seeing the results of that.
“The depth of talent is quite incredible, big, strong, tall guys competing with each other. If anyone talked about [Damian] Penaud 12 months ago, they’d talk about him as being one of the best wings in the world, and now he can’t even get into the 23. You know, he’s the biggest backslapper there as they’re running on the field, so it shows you the depth of their talent.”
For all of France’s brilliance, Ireland were a shadow of their former selves. Struggling with injuries, suspensions and a difficult transitional period, the Emerald Isle resembled nothing of the side that were once widely considered as favourites for the 2023 World Cup.
“I think Ireland are going through one of those tricky periods,” considered Jones.
“I feel for Andy Farrell. He’s been there, seen the best of it, and now he’s got some injuries. There are some depth issues for him.”
Question marks at fly-half
An area his side are particularly struggling with is the fly-half slot. Farrell elected to go with 22-year-old Prendergast over the more experienced Jack Crowley on Tuesday, which, despite the occasional impressive short pass at the gainline, was more of a liability than an asset.
Besides some questionable choices in attack, a telegraphed pass and a panicked own try-line offload, to name just a couple, it was his defence that really concerned Irish fans. Although he completed 13 tackles, it was his seven missed efforts that made the headlines, which was over double the number of the poorest French defender.
He’s clearly not the finished article, but Jones believes he needs to be given time.
“He’s got a lot of rugby ahead of him,” said the 66-year-old.
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“Jalibert is probably six or seven years, or even more experienced than him. And you know, Jalibert was one of those guys who was criticised when he first came to Test rugby for being a bit flighty.
“So it’ll take its time, and it’s one of those difficult periods for Ireland.”
Ireland will face Italy at home on February 14, in a match that they will hope will kick-start their campaign.
