Ireland boss defends panicky Prendergast amid poor form

Heavy is the head that weares the crown. Prendergast has been backed to take over the ten jersey from the legendary Johnny Sexton, who was so pivotal in sparking Ireland's attack for over a decade. It's still early doors in his career, but so far it doesn't appear to be working out.

Prendergast endured some disastrous moments in Ireland's Six Nations opener against France last week. His form continued against Italy in Dublin, which was compounded by missing two easy conversions. When he was replaced by Jack Crowley in the second stanza, there was an audible, ironic roar from the passionate Irish fans.

"No, I don't believe that," Farrell told the press.

"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."

Farrell went one step further to take a swipe at the online haters, pleading for support rather than criticism.

"I might be talking out of school here, but what's gone on over the last year, especially with the keyboard warriors, I think people need to ask themselves sometimes, 'Are we Irish?' 'Do we want people to do well or not?'" quipped Farrell.

"Because it can be tough for these kids. I've seen it toing and froing with both of them, and both of them are strong characters.

"It takes a lot to break kids like that. But I've seen it affect people. So the keyboard warriors on Twitter, or whatever you call it now, need to cop on and try to help these kids. It's damaging. We need to back them."

Ireland travel to London to face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

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