Autumn Nations Series: Peter O'Mahony backed to make impact for Ireland against New Zealand - ‘He’ll be ready to go’
By James Hilsum
Published 03/11/2024 at 17:57 GMT
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Ireland assistant coach Andy Goodman spoke about the boost of having Peter O'Mahony back in the squad for their Autumn Nations Series opener against New Zealand on Friday. Ireland have had to cope with an injury-blighted build-up to their clash with the All Blacks in Dublin, but O'Mahony's inclusion is seen as a big boost for Andy Farrell's outfit.
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Andy Goodman is backing Peter O'Mahony to make a telling impact for Ireland when they face New Zealand in the Autumn Nations Series.
Ireland host the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium on Friday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - and the assistant coach believes the flanker will benefit from 40 minutes of action for Munster, who were beaten 38-24 by an All Blacks XV on Saturday.
The 35-year-old linked up with the rest of Ireland’s squad at their training camp in the Algarve, before returning home from Portugal on Tuesday.
"We're all in good health and training away, obviously," said Goodman in quotes published by RTE.
"Pete has joined us now after the match yesterday and he's watched footage with everybody this morning, so it's good to have him around. He was over this morning nice and early and joined the team, which is great.
"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, as I said, good to have him over here this morning and adding to the group.
"He’s a pretty experienced man. I’m sure if he gets called upon, he’ll be ready to go."
New Zealand head into Friday's match following a pulsating 24-22 win over England, but that victory came at a cost, with Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor ruled out after suffering head injuries.
Damian McKenzie scored a late conversion at Twickenham on Saturday to seal the win, and is expected to replace Barrett in the line-up.
Goodman continued: "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.
"And Asafo Aumua (hooker) came in and played some pretty big minutes there and is a powerful runner, we know what he can do.
"So, they’ve got great depth in all positions there, so I’m sure they’ll back those guys to do a job."
Ireland's build-up to the Autumn Nations Series has been blighted by injuries - particularly in the hooker position - with Dan Sheehan ruled out until the New Year, and Ronan Kelleher and Rob Herring both spending time on the sidelines.
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TNT Sports pundit and 2003 World Cup winner Ben Kay believes that the world No. 1 side head into these internationals with a target on their backs.
“Everyone’s gunning for them, they’re No. 1 in the world. With all the injuries they’ve got, the nervousness will be there,” Kay said.
“If you look at Wales, they have some really good individuals, but they’re not able to put a game plan together that suits the whole team and gets the best out of the players that aren’t perhaps world class, but are good international players. Ireland have been able to do that.
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“I think this is one of the most challenging tournaments that Ireland have had in the past few years because of some of those key injuries.
“If there’s a dent to their confidence now, it becomes really, really difficult because they’re flying high, they’re right at the top, but New Zealand could totally blow them apart.
“New Zealand are a team where if you find a weakness, the wheels can come off.”
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