Andy Farrell criticises ‘keyboard warriors’ and urges them to back Ireland

Head coach Andy Farrell criticised “keyboard warriors” as he vehemently denied suggestions some Ireland fans cheered when Sam Prendergast was replaced during Saturday’s 20-13 Guinness Six Nations win over Italy.

Fly-half Prendergast endured a difficult outing against the Azzurri in Dublin, including missing two straightforward conversions.

There were groans from the Aviva Stadium crowd when those kicks sailed wide followed by a noticeable roar when the 23-year-old Leinster playmaker was replaced by Munster’s Jack Crowley in the 56th minute.

Farrell, who has a major decision to make at 10 for next weekend’s visit to England, insisted the cheering was in support of 26-year-old Crowley.

“No, I don’t believe that,” he replied when asked about supporters potentially celebrating Prendergast’s withdrawal.

“No, you’re making that up, 100 per cent.

“I heard the cheer for Jack. That’s for Jack. Jack’s a good lad He’s a good player. And Munster supporters and Irish supporters are allowed to cheer that.

“We don’t need to make it out to be something it’s not.”

Speaking of Prendergast’s wayward conversion attempts, former dual-code international Farrell said: “I’ve missed worse than that, and I’ve had worse groans than that, believe me. Everyone is allowed to do that.

“He’d be frustrated with bits (of his performance).”

Ireland’s fly-half battle has sparked plenty of debate and caused a split among provincial lines, reminiscent of the rivalry between Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton.

Crowley looked set to be the long-term successor to the retired Sexton following the 2023 World Cup before Prendergast made his Test debut aged 21 in the autumn of 2024.

Farrell said: “I might be talking out of school here, but what’s gone on over the last