Saturday was a proud day for Irish rugby fans, as they watched Peter O'Mahony become the 11th Irish Lions captain for a test match. Unfortunately, the result didn't go the way of the Lions as they were soundly beaten by 30 points to 15.
It was widely accepted that O'Mahony had a pretty good game. He made thirteen tackles, was impeccable in the lineout (including nicking one from the All Blacks) and got on the ball a lot.
Despite this, Warren Gatland could be about to drop the Corkman in favour of Sam Warburton. He spoke yesterday about potential changes for the second test, and mentioned the Welshman's name:
We might have to shake [selection] up a little bit.
I think someone like Maro Itoje made an impact coming off the bench and was very physical. Sam Warburton was excellent as well at the breakdown when he came on. The disappointing thing is we were dominated in the collisions in attack and defence.
They were pretty aggressive at the breakdown, came hard and won the collisions. It’s disappointing and that’s a pride factor, you know? If I was playing on Saturday night and I felt that I was physically dominated, I’d be a little bit disappointed in myself and I’d be doing everything I could physically do the following week to make sure I fixed that area of the game.
Warburton has been plagued with injuries on the Tour so far. Putting him up against such an aggressive, physical side might be a bit dangerous.
A 'second string' Lions side take on the Highlanders tomorrow morning, with Rory Best as captain. It's the last chance for the starting XV to try and force their way into Gatland's plans for the second Test on Saturday.
Should Gatland drop O'Mahony, the Munster back row can feel aggrieved. However, as we've seen in the past on Lions tours, Gatland is not afraid to make the unpopular calls, if he feels it's best for the team.
Time will tell, with the second Test team announcement later this week.
