Here’s Joe Schmidt on Sam Prendergast: “I’d still be good friends with Richie Murphy and young Sam, he was talking about him two years ago as a real talent. It was no surprise to me. He has a great short kicking game and his long kicking game was exceptional tonight. I’ve seen him kick goals really well.

“He missed that first one that he’d usually knock over. When that happens to a young man it can put him off his game but I didn’t notice that, unfortunately. He looked on his game. Playing in the Ireland system you always have options.

“We did isolate him a few times tonight and he did look a little bit flustered, which is unusual for a young man. He has a lot of potential, but I’m a big fan of Jack Crowley too.”