Zac Ward is on a short-term trial with Ulster and the versatile Sevens player looked like a man on a mission as Emerging Ireland began their tour of South Africa with a six-try win.
The 25-year-old has been one of Ireland Seven’s standouts over the last year, and scored tries against Fiji, USA, New Zealand and Japan during the Olympics.
The son of former Ireland flanker Andy, Zac was a back row before his switch to Sevens but Ulster coach Richie Murphy is keen to convert him to the wing and it was from there he scored Ireland’s first try against the Airlink Pumas in Bloemfontein in a 36-24 victory.
Described as a “shop window” tour by captain Alex Kendellen, a handful of players did their provincial prospects no harm, chief among them Ward.
“I’m not sure about his contractual situation at the moment [but] he was excellent,” head coach Simon Easterby told RTÉ Sport.
“Goodie [Andrew Goodman, backs coach] said it earlier, just looking forward to seeing Zac (above) break tackles, beating people one on one, you could see out there he did that countless times.
“Shifting to Sevens to 15s is a really [hard switch]…we want to see those guys do that.
“Conditioning and fitness, it’s a different game, he stood up really well, he started to cramp up toward the end of the game but stayed in the game, he showed up really well.
“He should be really pleased the way he went about his business, Zac will feel there are still things he is continuing to learn in the 15s game about that position, he’s not familiar with.”
Fellow Ulster man Harry Sheridan, at lock, set up Stephen Smyth’s try, while Ben O’Connor was secure at full-back.
Leinster’s Sam Prendergast, who went with the senior team on the summer tour of South Africa but didn’t get a cap, cut a composed figure at half-back.
The 21-year-old has realistic designs on the 10 jersey for Leo Cullen’s side this season and his maturity and calm approach earned the praise of Easterby, who will take over as senior Ireland boss after the autumn internationals until the summer as Andy Farrell takes charge of the Lions.
“Sam was great,” said former Ireland flanker Easterby.
“I think he had a pretty good platform to work off. The forwards gave him some really good, front foot ball.
“That, like another 10, you’re probably only as good as those guys around you.
“Sam coming on this tour, it was crucial that he gets a chance to lead and step up, and take control.
“The time that he was on the pitch, I thought he did that really well. He’s a laid-back character, but outside of that sort of exterior, he’s a real competitor and he drives the team really well.
“I thought he had driven the team throughout the week really well and that led to some really good performances in attack from him and all the players around him.”
Emerging Ireland take on the Western Force on Sunday at midday and will learn more about the availablity of Rob Russell (hand) and Mark Donnelly (ankle) who were both replaced ahead of schedule in the game today.
