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The Ireland verdict on their two No10s against Argentina
By Liam Heagney
Andy Farrell has had his say on how he felt his two Ireland No10s fared against Argentina on Friday night. The Irish hung onto a 22-19 win in the Autumn Nations Series, despite being held scoreless after Jack Crowley’s conversion of Joe McCarthy’s 32rd-minute try.
Crowley, who accounted for 12 of his team’s points with one try, two conversions and a well-taken drop goal, played for 62 minutes before giving way at out-half to Sam Prendergast, the 21-year-old who was given the task of steering Ireland to victory in his first Test appearance.
The rookie held his nerve, helping is team to stay out of Argentina’s reach, something that proved beyond Ciaran Frawley when he was introduced as Crowley’s replacement seven days earlier versus New Zealand.
Ireland were 13-12 ahead when Frawley came on as a 58th-minute replacement, but his display was riddled with errors and they went on to lose 13-23. In contrast, there was no scoring by either side during Prendergast’s involvement against Los Pumas.
Asked what he made of Prendergast’s debut, Farrell said: “I thought he was excellent. I thought he was really composed.
“Playing your first cap in that type of position in that type of situation, I thought he was really composed. Played at a nice tempo at the line and started to make things happen. That just shows what type of character he has got.”
As regards Crowley, who helped to put Ireland in their match-winning position, the head coach added: “Some good stuff, some really good stuff actually and then some bits that he would like to tidy up like everyone else.
"It’s a team game. Anyone either does some good stuff or some bad stuff, it wasn’t just Jack.”
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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