“They’re loaded questions” – Annoyed Andy Farrell fires back at Sam Prendergast critics
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Had enough.
Andy Farrell named his team this afternoon to play South Africa this weekend, with some big calls as Ireland get set to face the world champions.
The biggest call of them all once again came at 10, with Sam Prendergast getting the nod to start, and Jack Crowley on the bench.
Prendergast looked sharp in attack in the record win over Australia, but his defensive effort was once again criticised.
With the monstrous Springboks known for their physicality, the decision to start Prendergast is once again under the microscope, but it seems Andy Farrell has had enough.
“I understand the question, and it’s a question that obviously keeps popping up now, but I think Sam’s ability as a fly-half far outweighs a work-on within his game,” Farrell said when asked would he like to see more from Prendergast in defence.
“I thought he was tremendous last week.
“His skillset has been fantastic for all to see, and I think everyone needs to look through a little bit of a work on, because everyone’s got work-ons and will continue to have work-ons throughout, and that’s up to us as coaches and the rest of the players to keep on working on them.”
When pressed further on the matter, Farrell seemed visibly annoyed.
“I understand your question again, but they’re loaded questions, you know what I mean?” he said.
“Because then it’s obvious that we have to talk about that. Your question could be asked about any single player throughout.
“Of course, we constantly talk to individuals about all aspects of the play. So, to think that we’re just focusing on one aspect of one player is not right.
“For example, I spoke to our two leaders yesterday about certain aspects of their game. I’m talking about Caelan [Doris] and Dan Sheehan now, world-class players, and they agree with the work-ons.
“So, it is a constant throughout for every single member of every single squad in world rugby.”
️ "They're loaded questions!"
️ "Sam's ability as a flyhalf far outweighs his work-ons."
Normally cool and collected, Andy Farrell is visibly irritated by yet another question about Sam Prendergast's physicality ahead of this weekend's showdown against the World Champions.… pic.twitter.com/CB50x4pvGb
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) November 20, 2025
