Ireland’s O’Mahony Declared ‘Ready to Go’ for All Blacks Match

Irish back-row player Peter O’Mahony has linked up with Andy Farrell’s team to prepare for the Test match against New Zealand scheduled for Friday night at the Aviva Stadium. This follows O’Mahony’s participation in a 40-minute game for Munster against an All Black XV on Saturday. The 35-year-old Munster flanker had previously only played 22 minutes in this season’s United Rugby Championship due to a hamstring injury. However, he returned to action for his provincial side on Saturday, playing the initial half of a match they lost to an All Blacks XV. O’Mahony, whose role as Ireland captain for these autumn fixtures was taken over by Caelan Doris, traveled to Portugal on Sunday morning to participate in Ireland’s warm weather training camp. Assistant coach Andrew Goodman stated that the experienced player was “ready to go” should he be selected. Goodman further commented, “Pete’s been out for a while now, so for him to get through the 40 and get around like he did, provide energy and have some good effects on the game, [it is] good to have him over here this morning and adding to the group.” He also noted, “He’s watched footage with everybody this morning, so it’s good to have him around.” Goodman concluded by saying, “He’s a pretty experienced man. I’m sure if he gets called upon he’ll be ready to go.” Although Friday’s fixture marks Ireland’s initial match since July, New Zealand will come to Dublin with momentum from their exciting 24-22 win against England on Saturday. That victory was secured only after George Ford’s final-kick drop-goal attempt for the home team missed the posts. Goodman, who has taken over from Mike Catt on the Ireland coaching staff this season, remarked, “That was some Test match, eh?” He elaborated, “Fine margins and I think [New Zealand] showed how dangerous they can be from turnover, counter-attack rugby with some of the tries they scored there, the opportunities they created.” However, the win proved costly for All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, as both fly-half Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor have been excluded from the match against Ireland due to head injuries suffered during the game. Barrett’s unavailability is expected to result in Damian McKenzie, who played in the 10 jersey during the Rugby Championship this summer, returning to that position. Meanwhile, Asafo Aumua played 75 minutes at hooker after coming on as a substitute against England. Goodman commented on New Zealand’s squad depth, stating, “They’ve got some good cover there, obviously with McKenzie, who’s been playing 10 for them most of the season and then Will Jordan at full-back.” He added, “Asafo Aumua, coming in, played some pretty big minutes there and is a powerful runner. We know what he can do.” Goodman concluded, “So they’ve got great depth in all positions there so I’m sure they’ll back those guys to do a job.”