Sam Prendergast has been named to start at out-half for Ireland in their opening Guinness Six Nations match against England this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium. The 21-year-old Leinster back has won the race for the No. 10 jersey ahead of Munster’s Jack Crowley, who will be starting on the bench. The match kicks off at 4.45pm.
Prendergast’s selection marks his Six Nations debut and his fourth cap for Ireland. He will be joined in the backline by Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half, with the experienced Bundee Aki partnering Garry Ringrose in midfield. The back three will feature Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe.
In the forward pack, Tadhg Beirne will partner James Ryan in the second row, while Ryan Baird is selected at blindside flanker. Captain Caelan Doris will play at No. 8, with Josh van der Flier named at openside. The front row will be made up of Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, and Finlay Bealham.
Interim head coach Simon Easterby spoke of the challenge of selecting the final 23-man squad after a productive week of training at Quinta do Lago. “It wasn’t easy selecting a squad for this week’s game given the quality of those who haven’t made the final 23,” said Easterby. “Credit to those who missed out on selection for this game; there was obvious disappointment, but they all stepped up brilliantly to help prepare the team.”
Easterby also highlighted the importance of the upcoming match, acknowledging the strength of the English squad. “England are a talented team with quality across their panel, and we know we will need to hit the ground running to deliver a winning performance,” he added. “The atmosphere will be electric come kick-off, and I know how excited the Irish public will be to see their team perform. We’re ready for the challenge and excited to get going.”
England, led by head coach Steve Borthwick, will also field a strong side, with debutant Cadan Murley on the wing and Maro Itoje captaining the team. The English side includes notable players such as Freddie Steward, Marcus Smith, and the Curry brothers, Tom and Ben.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to make a strong start in the Six Nations.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.
England: Freddie Steward; Tommy Freeman, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Cadan Murley; Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart; Maro Itoje (capt), George Martin; Tom Curry, Ben Curry, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Willis, Harry Randall, Fin Smith.