ALAN QUINLAN believes competition between Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley can be good for Ireland.
And he cautioned fans to enjoy both while they can, boasting that both are capable of being Lions.
Both Crowley and Prendergast are part of interim head coach Simon Easterby’s squad for the Six Nations.
The Munster out-half has been Ireland‘s first choice 10 since Johnny Sexton‘s retirement, but Leinster starlet Prendergast started ahead of him against Australia last November.
Theirs is a fascinating competition for the 10 jersey, with Quinlan praising both.
The 50-year-old was talking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Six Nations odds, and he said: “What Sam Prendergast has achieved so far hasn’t surprised me because I watched him a lot in the U20s for the last number of years and the last couple of years and he’s a brilliant talent, a really talented player, very mature, calm, relaxed, wise beyond these years.
“But Jack Crowley, I think he’s still a wonderful player as well and it’s a great position and look what Crowley did in South Africa.
“So when you have an iconic figure like Johnny Sexton leaving, you know, it’s difficult.
“They’re difficult positions to fill when somebody’s in that jersey for so long.
“And essentially Ireland have, you know, three really good players there. I think there are two who are, you know, natural out-half players.
“Crowley can play in the centre as well. But to have someone like Prendergast come on the scene now, it can only be good for Ireland.
“What he did in November was brilliant.
“I think back to Crowley starting in Marseille last year in the Six Nations after the World Cup.
“He was brilliant and he had a great tournament overall before a really good year with Ireland.”
Both are at the formative stages of their careers, with Prendergast just 21 and Crowley 24.
Despite their young age, Quinlan believes they can both put themselves into Andy Farrell‘s thoughts for the Lions tour of Australia later this year.
He added: “I think we’re very, very lucky we now have two brilliant players that are still young, they’re still learning, still maturing.
“But for Prendergast to play at 20 at international level is phenomenal.
“And there’s also the prize of a Lions Tour not too far ahead, in a few months time.
“I think Jack Crowley would have been definitely a contender and still is a contender for sure if he starts and Ireland do well.
“He’s someone who can play in a couple of positions really.
“He can play full back, he can play 12 and could be a great asset to a team, any team like that if you moved him around as a utility player.
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