The Munster back-rower puts in towering display in first Irish win v New Zealand in Dublin
Enjoying the moment: Peter O'Mahony celebrates beating New Zealand
Peter O’Mahony emerges as hero of Ireland’s win over All Blacks
IT WAS a display for the ages from the Irish team, but after the game there was one name on everyone’s lips.
Peter O’Mahony was deservedly named man of the match in Ireland’s monumental 16-9 win over the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium and since the final whistle the praise has simply not stopped.
The Munster back-rower could barely make it past the hour mark, such was the level of pain he put himself through for the Irish cause, but he played an enormous role in handing the Irish public a moment to savour forever.
There were flashpoints through his performance where O’Mahony influenced proceedings, but some moments stand out. For example, there was a crucial turnover from O’Mahony around the 46th minute. Barely a minute later, he claimed the lineout that would lead to a Bundee Aki move finding Jacob Stockdale, who scored the vital try.
He hurt himself around the 50-minute mark, but powered on. Perhaps few moments will sum up the Munsterman’s force of will than when he got back to snuff out this All Blacks attack.
Big work rate from Peter O'Mahony to deny Ben Smith.
Van der Flier was not the only one to heap praise on O’Mahony. Members of the rugby media were full of plaudits.
Ireland, a brilliantly coached team, showed just how good they have become. Johnny Sexton showed why he should be World Player of the Year. Peter O'Mahony showed why nobody has a bigger heart in world rugby. Wayne Barnes showed why he deserves a World Cup Final before retirement.
Andy Farrell beats New Zealand for a fourth time. And that was his Mona Lisa. An insanely good defensive performance. Peter O'Mahony's snaffling Beauden Barrett's grubber ahead of Ben Smith summed it up.
By all accounts the writing was on the wall for this performance early doors, though…
Ireland in a huddle 35 minutes from kick off and Peter O’Mahony already looks like he is ready to smash every All Black jersey he sees. Intensity personified.