Ireland vs Fiji: Andy Farrell ‘sure’ Sam Prendergast can make first Test start

Farrell has made seven changes for the Fiji game with Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy handed their debuts.

“Izzy has been in and around the team for a while. The first Emerging Ireland tour was when we first encountered his ability, his athleticism, his point of difference,” noted Farrell.

“It was a few years ago, but the improvement in his maturity of his game because he was young in the 15-man game when the first tour was on, but the difference between the first tour and the second tour was like chalk and cheese.

“His ability and potential with the maturity, he deserves a shot to show us all what he’s got.”

Of McCarthy, who captained Ireland Under-20s to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023, Farrell said: “He’s been a captain and you can see why because of his maturity in how he approaches the game.”

He added: “We took him to the training week (to Portugal) as a development player and he did incredibly well. He forced our hand to keep him in the squad first and foremost and he deserves a shot to see what he can do do too.”