Felipe Contepomi knows a good out-half when he sees one - and Argentina's head coach believe's Sam Prendergast is heading for greatness after his Ireland debut.

Prendergast, 21, replaced Jack Crowley with just over a quarter of last Friday night's Test left and stayed calm and composed through a frenetic end game as the Pumas unsuccessfully pushed for the winning score.

“I think he played well," said Contepomi. "He’ll be a top-quality player. It’s tough to get into a game because it wasn’t a resolved game. He managed it well, he attacked well - he nearly scored, and I think he did well.”

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Contepomi reiterated his feeling that he hates losing more than he loves winning after the 22-19 defeat to Andy Farrell's side.

"It’s disappointing but the way the guys stood and came back and fought and stay in the game and had an opportunity to win the game, I’m very proud of them," he said.

"It was a good learning game for us. Frustrated, disappointed now but we will have a lot of positives to work on.”

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Prendergast's colleague Thomas Clarkson, meanwhile, compared the No.10 to Johnny Sexton after they both made their Test bows last Friday night.

"I'm good mates with Prendo so we were chatting away," said Clarkson. "Obviously as a No.10 if you're not scoring any points, he probably had a bit of frustration. But, sure, if you are not happy getting your first cap there is something wrong with you!

"Typical Prendo, he wants everything to be 100% perfect - and when it's not he has got a big stroppy head on him. Similar to Sexto, I would have said!"

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