The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
O’Mahony’s chance to stake claim
Peter O’Mahony seized one chance for Ireland against England in the Six Nations – and now the Munster backrower is ready to jump on another with the British and Irish Lions.
O’Mahony thrived when thrust into Ireland’s starting line-up to take on England in Dublin in the Six Nations, slotting in at the last minute for the injured Jamie Heaslip.
The Munster flanker excelled as Ireland prevailed 13-9 in Dublin on March 18, in the showing that surely cemented his place on the Lions’ tour to New Zealand.
Now the 27-year-old will captain the Lions against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua tomorrow, where a fine showing could secure him a starting berth in the first Test against New Zealand on June 24.
O’Mahony shook off a year fighting knee problems for Ireland’s fine win over England, and could now carry that into the Lions Tests – but the Munster grafter insisted he must still prove himself this weekend.
“I didn’t think I was going to get picked for the Lions. I didn’t think I had played enough rugby before then,” said O’Mahony.
“I don’t know if that was fairytale (beating England). I have put a lot of hard work into my career and you have got to take your opportunities when they come.
“Sometimes they are unfortunate for other guys but it doesn’t matter, you have to be selfish.
“Sometimes you have to play well when you need to play well and that day (against England) I played all right. “It wasn’t just that day. “I would like to say I have played some good games for Munster as well this season.”