They can learn from each other.
Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast will have gotten acquainted with each other once again this week, but in a friendlier setting than Croke Park on derby day, as they prepare in Ireland camp for the All Blacks showdown next week.
Prendergast was the hunted one but now looks set to be the man doing the chasing, after Crowley’s dominant showing in their head-to-head Croker clash.
It was an emphatic performance from the Munster 10, whose goal-kicking, kicking out of hand, defence, and decision making was all immaculate.
But where does this leave the Leinster prodigy heading into the Autumn Nations Series?
Ireland and Munster great, Conor Murray, believes that he will take a lot from from his rival’s game, and in particular how he commanded the field.
Writing for the Irish Times, Murray said: “Prendergast will take plenty from Crowley’s performance in Croke Park – mainly the way Jack played with so much control and confidence.
“This is what makes Farrell such a great coach – he creates scenarios where players work together to improve each other’s games. The fear of failure that exists under other coaches is removed.
“With all the Jack-versus-Sam chatter, especially on social media, we can get drawn into the negative aspects of the debate or we can trust that Farrell will get the best out of two special playmakers.”
After the Leinster win, Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said: “Well, on the evidence of what I’ve seen and what I saw on the weekend, I think he deserves an opportunity to jump in the number 10 jersey for Ireland.
“Obviously, that’s not my decision to make, but I’m not sure what else he could have done if last week was an audition.”
