Sam Prendergast says he has a good relationship with Ireland fly-half rival Jack Crowley "as much as people want to think we hate each other".

Prendergast was handed his Six Nations debut in the win over England ahead of Crowley, who came off the bench in the 27-22 win in Dublin.

After missing two conversions for tries by Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki, Prendergast landed the crucial penalty that put Ireland ahead for the first time in Dublin.

Crowley replaced the 21-year-old in the 58th minute and helped steer Simon Easterby's side home to a successful start to their Six Nations title defence.

"I think it's quite healthy competition. Jack is a great lad and a great player," said Prendergast.

"We both just work together, as much as people want to think we hate each other.

"I think he's playing very well at the moment and I thought he played very well when he came on."

After the retirement of Johnny Sexton following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, there has been debate over whether Leinster fly-half Prendergast or Munster's Crowley would become the long-term successor to one of Ireland's most influential players.

Prendergast says he only feels "internal pressure" as he looks to cement his place as Ireland's starting fly-half, and added it would be "awkward" if he didn't get on with Crawley and Ciaran Frawley, who is another option at 10.

"The only pressure I feel is what is inside the group and what is inside me.

"Obviously you want to be the starting 10 for Ireland and Leinster, but I wouldn't be listening to too much outside noise.

"It's internal pressure, you want to be starting but there's not too much of a rivalry with us. We work quite well together."

Prendergast added that the trio do kicking sessions together on the team's off days, and that will only help them progress together.

"It would be a bit awkward if we didn't get along. We all kick in the same car to kicking and travel together.

"We all get on very well and give ideas in training or in meetings or stuff like that.

"It's good to learn off each other. You would love to get infinite reps in training but you can't. They are then getting reps and you can learn off their experience on a certain play or situation, so it's very good."

Prendergast admitted his Six Nations debut was "mixed" with some loose kicking and passing combined with some strong link-up play.

England targeted the youngster on a number of occasions, but he said he was used to being in the firing line from opposition players.

"It's hard to know what sort of vibe I'm giving off," Prendergast said on his calm demeanour.

"At times you might get a little bit flustered.

"It's a high contact sport with a lot of moving parts, so it's pretty impossible to stay calm at all times but I like to stay as calm as I can."

He added that teams often target fly-halves regardless of their age and "it's part of the game".

"You learn it when you're coming up and playing gaelic football, soccer and rugby when you are younger. It's part of the game.

"Even when you are 14 or 15 people will try to do different things to you and you learn how to react to it and what works for you and what doesn't.

"I've learnt over time. There's times you get it wrong and I'm sure there will be times I will get it wrong again, but you just move onto the next moment and try not to be aggravated by it."

Ireland are aiming to win an unprecedented third Six Nations title in a row and travel to Scotland in their second match on Sunday.