O’Connell praised Leinster out-half Prendergast’s performance and kicking accuracy in the win over Georgia.
“When you get a lead of more than two scores in those conditions, it’s very tough to come from behind we were able to keep them at arm’s length with our kicking game and his kicking made a big contribution to it.
“He also added a layer of unpredictability to our attack in tough conditions and led the group really well. The feedback from [forwards coach] Colm Tucker and the guys that were bringing the water on was he was leading the group really well. We’re delighted with him and it’s an opportunity to Jack to follow up.”
O’Connell has handed debuts to Shayne Bolton, Alex Kendellen and Hugh Gavin in a team showing six changes as Ireland prepare for their last game until they face the All Blacks in Chicago on 1 November.
Portugal are ranked 18th in the world, seven places below Georgia, but they scored three tries in a 64-21 loss to world champions South Africa last year and that has not escaped O’Connell’s notice.
“They take a lot of quick taps, a lot of quick lie-outs, they want to play quickly, they’ve very good backs, nippy backs,” said O’Connell.
“I was on to [South Africa defence coach] Jerry Flannery there, they conceded three tries when they played against South Africa.
“Their backs are quite a threat, so the ball will get more air from both sides. We want to play with the ball more than we did with Georgia, but we’re happy enough not to play with it if it’s conditions like last week.”
