Sam Prendergast deserves shot at 'big game', says Ireland boss Farrell

Sam Prendergast has earned his shot at a "big game", according to Ireland boss Andy Farrell, who had picked the Leinster out-half ahead of Munster's Jack Crowley.

The 21-year-old made his debut as a replacement against Argentina two weeks ago and got his first start in the 52-17 win over Fiji last Saturday.

Crowley, who had started all nine games since the World Cup, before the match against Fiji, is on the bench for Saturday’s clash with Australia at Aviva Stadium (3.10pm).

"I think he deserves it," head coach Farrell told reporters after naming his team on Thursday afternoon.

"I thought he played pretty well. He has trained pretty well over the course of this autumn series as well, so there's another chance there to lead the week and grow in that manner.

"Obviously the opportunity to play in a big game along with a good side behind him. For the likes of himself and Gus McCarthy and a few others actually, hopefully you combine all of that together and it kicks them on for the future.

"Jack's played very well for us for a good while now, played in a lot of big games as well, so we know as far as that's concerned what we've got, although there's a lot of improving to be had and to be seen with Jack and Ciarán Frawley."

Asked about how the conversation went when telling the 24-year-old Munster back, Farrell said: "It's the same as every conversation that you have with every player.

"There's no difference. I know it's a good story for you guys but there's no difference between telling a fly-half or a captain or whoever it may be, or an experienced player that this is the way that you're going to go this week in comparison to someone who you have that type of conversation most weeks with.

"There's no difference at all, they're the