Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy believe Leinster's Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints could be the game that costs Sam Prendergast his place on the British and Irish Lions tour.
The 22-year-old had been one of the leading contenders for the Lions 10 shirt after a strong start to the Six Nations earlier this year, but the hype has cooled in the last two months after his defensive abilities have been exposed by several sides, both for Ireland and Leinster.
The out-half against struggled defensively in the 37-34 defeat to Northampton on Saturday, and his case wasn't helped by his opposite number Fin Smith shining for the Saints, who pulled off an incredible shock to book their place in the final against Bordeaux-Begles.
Lions head coach Andy Farrell is set to name his touring squad on Thursday afternoon, with a healthy contingent of Ireland internationals expected to be involved, given the strong Irish influence on the coaching team.
However, Jackman and Murphy - both of whom coached Prendergast at Newbridge College – believe Smith, Finn Russell and Owen Farrell will be three out-halves celebrating their inclusion tomorrow.
"Pre last weekend, I’m biased but I thought it was going to be Finn [Russell], Fin [Smith] and Sam [Prendergast], but I think after the weekend, I think Farrell comes back into the mix because he covers multiple positions," Murphy told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.
"It’s going to be interesting to see what the fallout is from the weekend.
"In particular, you would imagine Fin Smith, after the weekend he’s had, he’s nailed on behind Finn Russell, and then it’s that third 10, who they look at there.
"Do they bring someone who can play multiple positions, but can cover 10? That’s one of the main talking points, if they bring three 10s, who will the third be. Does Owen Farrell come back into the mix as third choice?"
Jackman believes the same trio will make Thursday’s Lions squad, and says that Andy Farrell shouldn't select his team based on what’s best for Irish rugby.
"There’s a narrative that Farrell has to bring some Irish players for development. That’s nonsense. If he does that, I think the Lions will lose," Jackman said.
"It’s like back when Clive Woodward brought so many players. There has to be an eliteness about it, and I think for Sam, unfortunately, Saturday will have done him a lot of harm, and he may not make the initial group. He may get called out if there's injuries."
And the former Ireland and Leinster hooker believes the young out-half's defensive issues have to be addressed over the summer.
"Going on tour with Ireland, or having a summer to do strength and conditioning might not be a bad thing either," he said.
"They would have to work out why his defence is so bad. Is it footwork, is it movement, is it strength, is it tackle technique?
"This is where the Irish system should be best in class, because you have so much control.
"If that means a summer of speed work, of conditioning, that will help his career, then so be it.
"I thought he would be traveling, but now I think it would be an unbelievably tough call for Andy Farrell to pick him.
"That’s elite sport. It’s ruthless. Winners are grinners and hence we're critical this morning of Leinster, because they haven't won."
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