Ireland center Robbie Henshaw thought Sam Prendergast looked like a seasoned international as he made his debut from the bench in Friday’s 22-19 win over Argentina.
The 21-year-old fly-half replaced Jack Crowley for the final quarter of Ireland’s nail-biting win in Dublin and became the first of Ireland’s Under-20 team to reach an underage World Cup final last year to represent the seniors.
“He looks like he’s been playing internationally for a few seasons. He’s so calm and composed,” said his Leinster teammate Henshaw.
“It’s probably his presence on the pitch. He doesn’t seem to get overawed on any occasion. He handles pressure well and he’s building on his game. He’s getting better.”
“He’s had some great sessions in recent weeks so he’s definitely a huge talent. Good players always look like they have time on the ball and he certainly has.”
Prendergast, who could start against Fiji on Saturday in what is expected to be a mixed side, also impressed head coach Andy Farrell.
“I thought it was excellent,” he said.
“He was so calm when he played his first cap in those kinds of positions and in those kinds of situations.
“He had a nice pace on the line and showed what kind of character he has.”