O’MAHONY NOW HOT FAVOURITE TO CAPTAIN TEST LIONS

PETER O’MAHONY has emerged as the shock front-runner to be named Lions captain for the First Test against the All Blacks.

The flanker was a late selection for the tour and he started only one match for Ireland in this year’s Six Nations campaign. Yet Lions

defence coach Andy Farrell last night admitted: “I’d be more than comfortable with Pete as captain.”

Sam Warburton is tour skipper and will lead the team out at Eden Park if selected.

But that is in doubt as the Wales flanker has started only one of the last four matches and, by his own admission, is still playing his way back to form. Should Warburton (right) be named on the bench, boss Warren Gatland will look at Munster captain O’Mahony.

The Cork blindside started in the tourists’ two standout performances against Crusaders and Maori.

Hooker Jamie George said: “Pete doesn’t over talk. But when he does talk, he talks brilliantly.”