Eddie O'Sullivan: Sam Prendergast likely included in Ireland squad for experience

Sam Prendergast's inclusion in the Ireland squad is more a nod to the future than part of a plan to beat the Springboks, reckons Eddie O’Sullivan.

The 21-year-old Leinster out-half has usurped Ross Byrne (22 caps) and Harry Byrne (four caps) to earn a place in Andy Farrell's squad for their two-Test series against double World Cup winners South Africa next month.

Ross Byrne is Leinster’s first choice out-half, while brother Harry has been a regular stand-in. Uncapped Prendergast started three times at out-half for the province this season.

The Kildare native is expected to play understudy to Munster's Jack Crowley, who started all five of Ireland’s games in the Six Nations last spring, and the versatile Leinster back Ciarán Frawley, who featured three times in the winning campaign.

"If you are sticking an uncapped player in like that [Farrell] obviously believes if he’s called upon he’s up for it," former Ireland head coach O’Sullivan told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"It’s tough on the Byrne brothers but I just think it’s a bit of a punt.

"If Crowley went down, you wonder would Prendergast be the next man up? It’s hard to see that so you might say why is he in there? Probably for the experience. I can’t imagine him going to Prendergast.

"If Crowley stays fit, it’s not an issue, but if Crowley goes down then that becomes a talking point.

"I’d be surprised if Prendergast went in, or if he even made the bench.

"He’s a fantastic talent, no question but you’d have to question his experience.

"Having been there, playing Test rugby against South Africa is an incredibly intimidating and hostile environment.

"It’s not for the faint-hearted and a young guy like him, I can’t imagine he’s going to end up on the field unless there’s some catastrophe