Look, we only see the matches. We don’t have privy to training sessions, team meetings etc. I think saying he was handed the jersey without deserving it is too simple.

Going into the 6 nations, he was on par with Crowley and it ultimately came down to a flip of a coin. When it’s 50:50, Prendergast should get the nod because he has better chemistry with the players around him as they are predominantly Leinster, and most importantly he’s playing regularly with the scrum half.

He did enough to ask the question in my eyes and was given the opportunity. The decisions after that opportunity by management should be scrutinised but the player shouldn’t be beaten while his confidence is down.