Sky is the limit for Ireland fly-half Prendergast, says captain Doris / Photo: Paul Faith - AFP/File
Sky is the limit for Ireland fly-half Prendergast, says captain Doris
Captain Caelan Doris said on Wednesday that he has faith in young fly-half Sam Prendergast ahead of Ireland's daunting Six Nations opener away to reigning champions France in Paris, despite reservations about his defence.
Leinster general Prendergast, 22, has come in for much criticism for his defensive limitations but head coach Andy Farrell has picked him to lead Ireland's attack at the Stade de France ahead of Jack Crowley.
And despite the massive challenge facing him against a France side many believe are the tournament favourites, Doris said that Prendergast has the talent to shine on any stage.
"There's great competition amongst the 10s, which is what we need," Doris told reporters.
"They're all relatively young and have good heads on them and are driving each other in the right direction, which is great for the group.
"Sam's doing great. Obviously his defence has caught quite a bit of flack, but it's an area that -- I'm in the same club as him in Leinster and I see day-to-day the work he puts in, same here in camp -- so that side of his game is improving.
"In terms of his attack, the ceiling is so high for him, he can do things that not many people can do at all, and he's getting more and more confident at leading the week and being another voice, especially guiding our attack.
"I've got a lot of faith in him and I'm looking forward to seeing him lead us around tomorrow."
While trying to lay a platform for Prendergast to use his talent, Ireland will be equally keen to shut down France's scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who will be making his first appearance for the national team since last year's Six Nations when he ruptured his cruciate knee ligament.
Dupont has said that if there is one player he does not relish facing, that is Doris.
But Ireland's 27-year-old captain does not view himself as Dupont's bete noir.
"He's done me several times, you know what I mean? I can think of one particular incident in 2023 where I feel I have him coming up one side of the breakdown and then he twirls and goes around me and beats three defenders the other side," said Doris.
"I've described him before as one of those little fish you try and touch and they dart away from you, and it's true."
Dupont cannot be stopped by an individual, but rather by a collective, Doris added.
"You've got to be connected, you've got to stay on him in multiple people," he said.
"He's a big threat. He's kind of the heartbeat to their attack and it's going to be a big challenge for us."
H.Lagomarsino--PV
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