ANDY FARRELL declared that Sam Prendergast fully merits being selected at No 10 again for Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series finale against Australia tomorrow.

And as he prepared for his last game in charge before taking a break from Ireland commitments to focus on the Lions, Farrell says the Aviva Stadium clash against a revitalised Wallabies side will act as a ‘good part’ of the development of rookies such as Leinster man Prendergast.

After making his debut off the bench in the narrow win over Argentina a fortnight ago, Prendergast, 21, was handed a first start when Faz’s men comfortably defeated Fiji last weekend.

Despite being sent to the sin bin just seven minutes into the contest for a high tackle on Jiuta Wainiqolo, the Kildare native returned to the field of play following a bunker review and ended the action with ten points off the tee.

And ahead of his third cap, Farrell said: “I think he deserves it. I thought he played pretty well against Fiji.

“He has trained pretty well over the course of this Autumn Series so there’s another chance there to lead the week and grow in that manner. Obviously, there’s the opportunity to play in a big game along with a good side behind him.

“For the likes of himself and Gus McCarthy, and a few others actually, hopefully you combine all of that together and it kicks them on for the future.

“This isn’t just throwing someone in and hoping to get the best out of it.

“I suppose with the two young lads, this game won’t define them. It’ll be a good part of their development and that’s what you’re hoping for.”

Jack Crowley was rested last weekend after starting against New Zealand and Argentina and the Munster man has to be content with a spot among the replacements tomorrow for Irish Rugby’s 150th anniversary duel with a Wallabies team coached by former Ireland chief Joe Schmidt.

Farrell admitted Crowley is a player he wants to see more from, adding: “Jack’s played very well for us for a good while now, played in a lot of big games as well.

“So we know as far as that’s concerned what we’ve got, although there’s a lot of improving to be had and to be seen with Jack and Ciarán Frawley, etc.”

After shaking up his starting team against the Fijians, Farrell this week, as expected, reverts to a side closer to the ones that faced the All Blacks and Argentina.

From the side that lined out against the Pumas, only Crowley and centre Garry Ringrose are not named from the start this time around.

And joining them among the replacements is Cian Healy, who will become Ireland’s most-capped international player with 134 appearances if he is introduced to the fray.

While there was already a big deal made when the prop equalled Brian O’Driscoll’s haul of 133 caps in the Argentina game, Farrell stated that the camp will once again be doing their best to mark Healy’s remarkable longevity in the green jersey.

Healy, 37, made his Ireland debut in a 20-20 draw with the Wallabies at Croke Park in 2009 — a game that marked O’Driscoll’s 100th Test appearance.

The Ireland players were last night presented with the one-off jerseys that will be used for this 150th anniversary game.

Farrell added: “It’s a privilege for us because we talk about our history a lot in this type of position when it comes around on our shift.

“The 150th anniversary is a special place for us and then you combine it with what’s happening there with Cian.

“What a story, playing his debut 15 years ago against Australia. It’s fitting for both the Union and for Cian and his family, so a privileged type situation for us all to be involved in.”