Search icon

Sport

17th Nov 2018

The amount of respect for Peter O’Mahony’s incredible performance has got everyone talking

Paul Moore

In a team of heroes, the Munster man got a standing ovation.

Leadership, bravery, intensity, skill, commitment, pride, and a sheer refusal to give up define Peter O’Mahony and in a team of heroes, the Munster man was pivotal in Ireland’s 16-9 win.

For the first time in 113 years, Ireland have beaten New Zealand on home turf and what’s even more impressive is the fact that the Six Nations champions prevented the world champions from scoring a try.

Jacob Stockdale’s superb try proved to be the difference as the ever-reliable boot of Johnny Sexton kept the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts.

Stockdale’s try won the game but with the emotion so high right now, it’s easy to forget so many little moments that swung the game in Ireland’s favour.

Kieran Read’s knock-on, the momentum from seeing Beauden Barrett being pushed into the sideline near his own try line, CJ Stander’s countless turnovers, Rob Kearney escaping a yellow card, the intensity of Sexton’s tackle in the corner and the subsequent fist pump to the crowd. They all matter.

They’re all important factors but Peter O’Mahony’s contributions throughout the match were extraordinary, no more so then the period between 55 – 60 minutes.

With the All Blacks threatening the Irish try line, O’Mahony made a superb steal to prevent an inevitable score in the corner and moments later, he did what he does best, ferociously defending the ball and forcing the opposition into giving away a penalty.

Bruised, tired, but never bettered, O’Mahony left the pitch to a standing ovation.

Heroic stuff.