Peter O’Mahony has done so well in his two starts for the British & Irish Lions that he is a genuine contender to captain them in the First Test.
The Munster captain led the Lions superbly in the 32-10 victory over the Maori All Blacks and, later, dismissed any injury worries.
O’Mahony has now put in two superb shifts at blindside – in weekend wins over Crusaders and Maori – and the sensible decision would be for Warren Gatland to retain him in the role next Saturday at Eden Park.
The Lions were the dominant team in Rotorua and O’Mahony was correct with just about every decision he made, was part of a muscular, driving pack and impressive at the lineout again.
Interestingly, O’Mahony only made three carries [from eight possessions] and landed two successful tackles. Most of his good work was done at the breakdown – stalling the Maori, clearing out Lions rucks and shutting down men around the fringes.
The Cork man had some fans worried at the end of the first half as he limped off the pitch, but he returned after the break and looked none the worse for it.
O’Mahony contributed hugely to Lions tries for Maro Itoje and a penalty score but went down for treatment again after 64 minutes. This was at a time when Stuart Barnes, on commentary duty for Sky Sports, was backing O’Mahony to captain the Lions against New Zealand.
https://twitter.com/BenKay5/status/876002364787961856
However, all was not lost.
As Lions tour captain Sam Warburton prepared to come on, O’Mahony brushed off the medics and made his own way off the pitch – stopping to congratulate a couple of teammates and breaking into a jog.
The message was clear to Gatland and his coaching staff – I’m fit, I’m fine, I’m ready to go.
No way O'Mahony was going to limp off this pitch! pic.twitter.com/K4PLKhFjaa
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) June 17, 2017
Warburton finished out the final 15 minutes in the blindside role, suggesting Sean O’Brien and Toby Faletau will start against the All Blacks. On form alone, O’Mahony should edge Warburton out for next weekend.
Following the game, O’Mahony told Sky he was doing fine and eager for more action. He said:
“All good, all good.
“I got a counter-ruck on me but it’s all good.”
Exactly what we wanted to hear.
Exactly what we wanted to see.
Exactly what the Lions want.
