Ireland recorded a historic first win on New Zealand in the second of what is now a fascinating three test series.
In a feisty contest that saw plenty of off-the-ball and illegal tackle attempts, New Zealand were shown two yellow cards and one red whilst Ireland received a yellow.
At the heart of the action was Munster captain Peter O’Mahony. For so long a pillar and talismanic figure in the Irish set-up, O’Mahony has fought his way back into the starting line-up having been usurped throughout the Six Nations by Caelan Doris.
With Doris now at number eight, O’Mahony has been at his niggly best in New Zealand and has been key to settling the Irish line-out.
Around the park, O’Mahony was immense as he time and again slowed and turned over the New Zealand ball leading to severe frustration for the hosts and a number of bust ups between the two sides.
In one such altercation, the ref mic picked up what many fans think was O’Mahony taking a brutal shot at All Black skipper Sam Cane.
Already under fire for his position in the media this week, Cane has had the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of All Black legends Kieran Reid and Richie McCaw.
A point O’Mahony made very clear to Cane as he said “Who do you think you are? You’re a shit Richie McCaw pal.”
Alongside this golden one liner, O’Mahony was immense in all aspects of the game even slotting a beautiful 50:22 kick to pile pressure back on the hosts.
With one test to go and the scores level at one a piece there is certain to be no love lost between the two sides next Saturday.
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