Former Scotland star John Barclay was fully of praise for Ireland (Image: BBC Sport)
Former star John Barclay has labelled Sam Prendergast’s kicking as “utter filth” following win over Wales.
The Grand Slam hopefuls and Championship favourites didn’t have it all their own way against a rejuvenated Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Ellis Mee thought he’d given Wales the chance to win the game when he looked to have secured a late try in Matt Sherratt’s first match in interim charge.
But the try was quickly ruled out when TMO deemed Mee to have lost control of the ball as he was diving for the line.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Ireland went on to grapple control of the match, with Prendergast kicking three penalty goals in the final 15 minutes to confirm a resounding 27-18 victory for the Six Nations leaders.
And according to Barclay, Prendergast’s kicking, both out of hand and off the tee, is key to Ireland’s success under fellow interim Simon Easterby.
Speaking on the Six Nations highlights show, he said during an analysis piece: “The most impressive part about it in the [final] 35 minutes, they [Ireland] didn’t have the ball a lot of the time.
“The stadium was all behind Wales, so was the energy and momentum. But actually they used their kicking game, and decision-making at the breakdown. And they were superb.
Read more…
Sam Prendergast was praised for his kicking game in Saturday’s win vs Wales (Image: Getty)
“Across the board you look at how you apply pressure in the game.”
A clip of the Ireland fly-half kicking a ball into touch popped up on the screen, with Barclay continuing: “Prendergast had a slightly quieter game, but torpedo kick, no chance. It’s just utter filth.”
The victory secured the Triple Crown for Ireland and helped put one hand on the Six Nations trophy.
Responding to his side’s performance, Easterby said: “I’m pleased with the result because we go down a man and then we go down on the scoreboard,” said interim Ireland boss Easterby.
Don’t miss… [READ] [RUGBY] [NEWS]
“We had a lot of possession and territory for 30 minutes, but we but didn’t get our accuracy right in scoring the points that we needed.
“We came in at half-time and felt, if we played in the right way, we could dominate them.
“I’m pleased with the way we responded to being in a bit of a hole and digging ourselves out of it and taking the game away from them in the last 20.”
Ireland return to action against France at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, March 8.