Ex-Ireland fly-half: The factor in Sam Prendergast’s favour and why he could usurp Finn Russell for British and Irish Lions role
Sam Prendergast in action for Ireland against Scotland in the Six Nations and Finn Russell being forced off.
Former Ireland fly-half Ian Madigan insists that he can realistically see Sam Prendergast starting for the British and Irish Lions in Australia later this year.
That is despite the wealth of options at Andy Farrell’s disposal and the playmaker’s inexperience in comparison to the other 10s who could tour.
Many see Scotland star Finn Russell as the favourite to start while England’s Marcus Smith had an excellent 2024 and is in contention.
However, Smith was switched to full-back in their Six Nations clash against France, with his namesake, Fin Smith, playing in the pivot position in the 26-25 triumph.
Other Lions 10 options
Elsewhere, Jack Crowley should not be discounted while over in France, England legend Owen Farrell, who is the Lions head coach’s son, remains available.
It will be a tough decision for Andy Farrell but Madigan says that Prendergast is firmly in the frame, not just to tour but to possibly start in the Tests in light of his performance against Scotland.
“If you go through who he’s competing against, I can’t see Wales putting someone forward, so we will draw a line there,” he told the Irish Independent’s The Rugby Show.
“In England, Marcus Smith was a genuine contender but, off the back of Fin Smith’s performance at the weekend, they will stick with Fin Smith at out-half. That affects Marcus’ stock to get into that out-half slot.
“Finn Russell has the experience and is a really high quality player, but I thought Prendergast played well against him when Leinster were playing Bath. Obviously, it’s very unfortunate that Finn had to go off injured [last weekend].
“I would still say that Finn is ahead of him in the race but not only is Prendergast putting his name in for one of the three 10 slots, if he keeps going the way he’s going – he’s going to be running Andy Farrell’s game plan – he could be the one that starts.”
Owen Farrell’s chances
Madigan was also questioned about Owen Farrell’s involvement, with presenter Joe Molloy suggesting that the former England fly-half would tour.
However, the 35-year-old disagreed, pointing to the playmaker’s struggles this season and the issues that his club, Racing 92, have faced.
“I’m not too sure that he will. He would need to find really good form for Racing in the second half of the season,” Madigan said.
“He had a nasty groin injury which has kept him out, he’s only played a handful of games. Racing have had a poor season thus far, so he would need to catch some momentum.”
Madigan does believe that something could benefit Farrell, though, and that, equally, it may count against the exiles currently impressing for Toulouse.
“One thing that goes in Farrell’s favour is Racing are doing poorly and they most likely won’t make the barrages (Top 14 semi-final elimination games),” he added.
“If you’re playing for the likes of Toulouse, you’re going to miss half of the tour and that will affect the likes of [Jack] Willis and [Blair] Kinghorn because of their lack of availability.”
