O’Mahony backing Osborne for big impact in South Africa

Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony says the selection of Jamie Osborne at full-back for Saturday’s first Test against South Africa came as no shock, and has backed the debutant to thrive at Loftus Versfeld.

Head coach Andy Farrell produced a major surprise when he included the 22-year-old in his starting side to take on the Springboks in Pretoria, particularly with Osborne – who has primarily featured at centre – having played such little rugby in the 15 shirt.

But O’Mahony believes the Leinster man has earned his shot in Test rugby after an impressive apprenticeship in the Irish squad in recent seasons.

“He’s a very patient and very understated kid,” the Ireland skipper said of Osborne.

“Obviously been delivering incredibly well for Leinster over the past however many seasons. One of the lads presented his jersey to him last night and said it wasn’t a case of if, but when, his cap would come.

“He wants to learn, he’s a top-class professional at an early age. No one in our squad was shocked that he was selected.”

Osborne’s debut has been in the post for some time, with the Naas man having been a regular in Ireland squads over the last two years without being capped.

And his captain (below) says the experience gained in camp will stand to him.

“It helps hugely. Andy [Farrell], over the years, has named squads and brought guys in and out at different times to gain experience and that will stand to Jamie. He’s been in a good few times now and spent a lot of time with us.

“It just makes you more familiar with guys and more comfortable. You play for someone more when you know people better. He’s been around long enough now to know it really matters to us.

“Obviously it matters to everyone when they play for Ireland but playing for the group alongside you means a huge amount.

“He’ll have a great feeling of support from us over the last few days certainly but also since he’s come into camp.”

While Osborne makes his first international appearance, his captain O’Mahony is set for his 106th outting in green, and his first Test match in South Africa.

With Ireland having last toured the Rainbow Nation eight years ago, very few of this weekend’s side have experienced international rugby away to the Springboks.

And although six of this weekend’s matchday squad were part of a Munster side who won at Loftus against the Bulls in April, O’Mahony believes this weekend’s trip to the Pretoria ground will be an altogether different experience.

“I missed the tour in 2016 unfortunately. I was only speaking with a few of the lads last night, there aren’t many of us who have played a Test in South Africa.

“Even talking to the young fellas, sometimes you can give them advice about what it’s going to be like, but there is very few of us who can do that. I don’t think any of us have played in this ground against South Africa.

“It helps if you’ve been in the stadium before but international [rugby] is different to URC and there is no point saying it isn’t. It’s a different animal, different intensity and you will have a different type of crowd.

“It’s a big occasion for South Africa coming back here for the first time since the World Cup. I imagine it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere for everyone.

“Loftus won’t be comparable to April. It’s the same ground but it will be a different animal,” he added.

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