The Ireland U20s continued their strong start to the Six Nations last night, securing their third consecutive win of the championship with a convincing 44-27 victory over Italy.
It was an excellent performance from Richie Murphy's side, who were comfortable throughout despite coming up against a persistent home side.
They scored a number of eye-catching tries, including this effort from Brian Gleeson.
The power and size of Brian Gleeson is actually a joke.
Since this try Italy have one of their own and Ireland have got a second through scrumhalf Fintan Gunne 🍀
19 minutes gone IRE 14-5 ITA@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/2haQDv3vNq— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 24, 2023
They now looked well positioned to challenge for the championship, with England having also won their first three games.
If they are to go all the way, it is likely that they will be depending heavily on Sam Predergast.
Viewers blown away by Sam Prendergast kick against Italy
Sam Prendergast has been Ireland's standout performance in this year's tournament, putting in top class displays in each of the games so far.
The Leinster out-half looks like a scary prospect, possessing every trait you would want to see from a top class player in that position. Not only does he have the ability to dictate play and unlock opposition defences, but his kicking game is already making serious waves.
Last night provided a prime example.
After picking the ball up inside his own 22, Prendergast produced a scarcely believable kick to touch, one that make it all the way to ten metres from the Italy try line before bouncing out of play.
Sit back and enjoy this one.
NUDGE!
Incredible 50:22 from Sam Prendergast
📽 @SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/k0dKjq3JJc— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) February 25, 2023
Incredible. The kick was all the more impressive when you consider how little room he had to operate as a right-footed player on that side of the pitch.
Of course, this takes full advantage of the '50-22 rule', which awards the kicking team the line-out if they bounce a kick out of play inside their opponent's 22 from from their own half. However, it is incredibly rare to see a player pull one off from their own defensive third.
Unsurprisingly, the passage of play drew quite the reaction from rugby fans.
That 50/22 from Sam Prendergast 🤯😱😍 #ITAvIRE #SixNationsU20s pic.twitter.com/AbGpdKC9h3
— audrey 🇮🇪 (@Auds_Fulham) February 24, 2023
If Johnny Sexton did this it would be hailed as the work of a genius.
What a kick! Take a bow, Sam Prendergast#ITAvIRE #u20sixnations #Rugby https://t.co/YkxjqSw6ig— Andrew Byrne (@andbyrne1) February 24, 2023
What a boot!! Future of Irish Rugby looks to be in safe hands! https://t.co/2fPtxCemWf
— Anthony M (@AntOfTheHill) February 25, 2023
https://t.co/yRPKQy5PNU pic.twitter.com/L68Y98JqEo
— Neil Kelly (@NoNotNiall) February 25, 2023
Sextons jersey in safe hands by the looks of it . What a prospect this lad is https://t.co/ggAaUHJlEC
— Karl Murphy (@karlmurphy123) February 24, 2023
🚀 🏉
Sam Prendergast take a bow 👏 👏 #FromTheGroundUp https://t.co/dVCbUuphO5— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 24, 2023
That's the equivalent of a golf drive hitting the green
A thing of perfection https://t.co/V1cmERrWED— Danny O Brien 📻️⚽️🏉📖 (@DannyEdoBrien) February 24, 2023
A 22:22. You should really get something extra for that, like giving your opposite number a dead arm or something. https://t.co/exgBl24ktI
— @[email protected] (@RugbyKino) February 24, 2023
22:22 from Sam Prendergast.
He’s living up to the hype in the championship, and showing a cannon of a boot too https://t.co/cu6yxXhNYB— CaolanSRugby (@CaolanSRugby00) February 24, 2023
While it is still very early in his career, it is difficult not to be excited about Sam Prendergast's future.
Ireland have long been looking for the heir to Johnny Sexton's throne, and while there are a number of possible candidates coming through, many see the 20-year old as someone who has the potential to fill the position.
In RWC 2031...Sam Prendergast will be at #10 for @IrishRugby with 50 caps to his name. What a beautiful striker of the ball 🏈🇮🇪#ITAvIRE @RTErugby
— Keith Mongan (@mongank) February 24, 2023
Haven’t seen many players as classy as Sam Prendergast at U-20 level.
Seems to be staging a one-man crusade to bring back the spiral kick too.
Huge future.— Stephen Wall (@StephenWall1985) February 24, 2023
Could we organise a crowdfunding between every Connacht fan to get Sam Prendergast across the Shannon. Give him a million for five years. He is exactly what we need and he would have great craic with his brother. #rugby 😂 😂 #irishrugby
— Joe Naughton (@JoeNaConnacht) February 24, 2023
From what I saw last night @IrishRugby can forget Byrne, Carberry and co, Sam Prendergast is ready as soon as Jonny says enough. Class act. #U20SixNations
— Simon Ward (@ManOnTheMic60) February 25, 2023
Sam Prendergast is soo good 🔥 @IrishRugby #U20SixNations #ITAvIRE
— Gavin McGucken (@mcguckengavin) February 24, 2023
I think it’s fair to say that Sam Prendergast is the best rugby player of all time.
— Jack Neville (@JackNev30) February 24, 2023
Sam prendergast is a special special talent, fingers crossed he stays injury free and keeps on this trajectory #U20SixNations
— Dave parks (@daveparkstaz) February 24, 2023
He will have no shortage of competition for places at Leinster, with Ross Byrne, Ciaran Frawley, and Harry Byrne all in the squad alongside Johnny Sexton at the moment.
It will be very interesting to see who wins that battle for the '10' jersey at both provincial and test over the next couple of years.
SEE ALSO: Ireland U20s Produce A Superb 80 Minute Performance To See Off A Dogged Italy
