'Short memory' an asset as Sam Prendergast learns trade

Sam Prendergast's "short memory" is an asset as the young out-half learns his trade, according to Leinster attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal.

The 22-year-old has started each of Ireland’s last five Tests, including Saturday’s hard-fought Guinness Six Nations victory over Wales in Cardiff.

Prendergast had a mixed day at the office with the good outweighing the bad.

He kicked 17 points off the tee, including three late penalties, while he was off target with three more attempts.

The Kildare man kicked 12 times out of hand, including one sublime 50:22, which set up position for Ireland’s second try, however, he miscued a clearance late in the game prior to Ellis Mee's disallowed try that could have proved costly.

In addition, Prendergast, who won his sixth cap, conceded three turnovers and missed eight tackles, while he was caught badly out of position for Wales’ second try.

"He is just showing that he is maturing fast," Bleyendaal said about Prendergast's ability to quickly put errors behind him.

"He is taking most of his opportunities and, like you said, it is not all smooth sailing for him.

"He has had to dig himself out of a few holes and face some adversity but he has a short memory.

"He goes back and he backs himself, backs what he sees."

Prendergast, after being replaced by Jack Crowley at out-half in the second half of the win over England, played the full 80 against Scotland and Wales, with the Munster man being deployed off the bench at full-back in rounds two and three.

"He has great ability to execute his skills as well so I’m delighted to see him get a good run around in Ireland camp," added Bleyendaal.

"It’s all great development for himself and he is learning things that he can transfer back to our game as well. He has done