Ireland Opts for Prendergast at Fly-Half Over Crowley for Australia Test

Sam Prendergast has been selected to start at fly-half for Ireland’s final autumn Test against Australia this Saturday, November 30, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with a 15:10 GMT kick-off. This selection sees him preferred over Jack Crowley. Prendergast previously earned his first cap as a second-half replacement for Crowley in the recent close victory against Argentina and subsequently made his full debut, starting in last weekend’s 52-17 win over Fiji. Coverage for the match will be available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, alongside live text and commentary on the BBC Sport website and app. The 21-year-old delivered a promising performance against Fiji, despite receiving an early yellow card. His display featured five successful conversions and a cross-kick that led to a try for Mack Hansen. Leinster prop Cian Healy, named among the replacements, is poised to achieve a record-breaking 134th cap. He equaled Brian O’Driscoll’s record during the match against Argentina. Healy, aged 37, first played for Ireland in 2009, in a 20-20 draw against Australia at Croke Park. This particular game also marked O’Driscoll’s 100th Test appearance. Ireland’s squad features five changes from the previous weekend. In the backs, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, and Jamison Gibson-Park will start, replacing Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale, and Craig Casey, respectively. The inclusion of Ronan Kelleher and James Ryan in the starting pack means Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu, both of whom debuted against Fiji, will not start. With Ryan’s selection, Tadhg Beirne will move back to the back row. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell stated, “Cian is a giant of Irish rugby and we are determined to provide him with a performance that he deserves.” Farrell, who will temporarily step down after Saturday’s match to concentrate on his British and Irish Lions responsibilities, has chosen to keep Prendergast in the number 10 jersey. The game last weekend marked the first instance since the World Cup that Crowley did not start for Ireland. The Munster player, Jack Crowley, had appeared to establish himself as Johnny Sexton’s successor. However, Prendergast, who has only eight Leinster starts, is now given the opportunity to solidify his position in the jersey against a Wallabies team led by former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. Prendergast will partner with his Leinster teammate Gibson-Park in the half-backs; Gibson-Park was rested for the Fiji match. Ulster wing Stockdale (hamstring) and Leinster full-back Osborne (abductor) were both unavailable for selection, having sustained injuries during the Fiji game. Consequently, James Lowe and Hugo Keenan have been reinstated. Connacht’s Bealham retains his position in the front row due to Tadhg Furlong’s ongoing absence with a hamstring issue. British and Irish Lions prop Furlong has been absent for Ireland’s entire autumn campaign, which commenced with a surprising defeat by New Zealand. Following a demanding effort to overcome the Pumas, Ireland appeared more cohesive in last weekend’s victory. Farrell stated he anticipates his players will deliver their “best” performance of the autumn against Australia. Farrell further commented, “We have seen steady improvements over the last few weeks and the visit of a strong Wallabies side presents another challenge for the squad.” He added, “There has been a collective determination to drive forward and finish the Autumn Nations Series on a high.” Australia commenced their autumn fixtures positively, following a dramatic initial victory over England with a comfortable win against Wales. Nevertheless, Schmidt’s team suffered a 27-13 defeat against Scotland last weekend. Ireland’s starting lineup is: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (captain). Replacements include: Gus McCarthy, Cian Healy, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Garry Ringrose.