The Munster back-rower puts in towering display in first Irish win v New Zealand in Dublin
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.
Big work rate from Peter O'Mahony to deny Ben Smith.
Crucial moment in Ireland's win. pic.twitter.com/X9S1rqxxaD
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) November 18, 2018
Around a minute later, O’Mahony was again getting over the ball to kill All Blacks momentum and claim a crucial turnover.
Related: See the reaction to Ireland’s win over New Zealand
When the talismanic back-row was finally called upon to leave the field, the fans at the Aviva sounded their appreciation.
Unreal reception for O’Mahony going off. What a leader. pic.twitter.com/DGGDygdYsh
— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) November 17, 2018
Post match, fellow flanker Josh van der Flier talked of O’Mahony’s brilliance.
"Oh, he was outstanding, wasn't he?" ????
Josh van der Flier (@joshvdf) on Peter O'Mahony's incredible performance & his own injury comeback.
Where does @peterom6's performance rank? pic.twitter.com/yuwg9YbTZd
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) November 18, 2018
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.
— Miles Harrison (@skysportsmiles) November 17, 2018
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.
— Charlie Morgan (@CharlieFelix) November 17, 2018
When a man has played himself into the ground for his country, you have to stand and applaude. O’Mahony otherworldly tonight. #IREvNZL
— Craig Ray (@craigray11) November 17, 2018
O'Mahony gone. Thought to be in the running for Time Man of the Year after Man of the Match deemed too small a reward for that hour.
— Jonathan Bradley (@JBradleyBT) November 17, 2018
O’Mahony’s a freak. https://t.co/5c4EVyi5Sn
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) November 17, 2018
Coach Russell Earnshaw playfully captured a sense of O’Mahony’s physical exertions.
Peter O’Mahony is going to need some radox in his bath tonight… ?
— RussellEarnshaw (@russellearnshaw) November 17, 2018
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.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) November 17, 2018
…And after the final whistle the cameras caught this moment from the man of the match. He simply got caught up in it all!
O’Mahony forgetting he was injured ??? #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/p2v1aowsea
— Alan Guerin (@alang0486) November 17, 2018
So the clash between the top two sides in the world lived up to the hype.
Bring on the Rugby World Cup!
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