In a game where no shortage of Ireland players put in top class performances, Peter O'Mahony certainly stood out as one of the best players on the pitch during the win over Romania this afternoon.
The Munster man was everywhere, carrying a huge amount of ball while also putting in a huge shift in terms of his defensive contributions. He was rewarded with two tries for his efforts, going on to be named man-of-the-match.
One handed finish from Peter O'Mahony. 💫#IREvROM | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/ZXYF3Q6r3S
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 9, 2023
Playing in the less familiar 'seven' role, O'Mahony was in brilliant form once again in this game. Now 33-years old, there is little sign of him slowing down.
He is sure to play a huge role for Ireland over the course of this tournament.
Rory Best feels Peter O'Mahony has changed Andy Farrell plans
There is no shortage of competition for places in the Irish back row.
Josh van der Flier is the reigning World Player of the Year, while Caelan Doris is also among the best players in the game on current form. Couple that with the ability of Tadhg Beirne and Ryan Baird to cover both the back row and second row, and you can see why nailing down a place in the side in one of those roles is no easy task.
Despite this, Peter O'Mahony continues to be trusted by Andy Farell to perform on the biggest occasions.
It might have been assumed that the Cork man would now be behind some of the younger players mentioned above in the Ireland pecking order, but that certainly is not the case at the moment.
Speaking on ITV after the Romania game, former Ireland captain Rory Best said that O'Mahony's form in recent times has likely forced Andy Farrell to reevaluate how he viewed his options in that position.
I think it's a funny one. Peter O'Mahony over the last couple of years, your kind of waiting for all the stuff he has put his body through over the years, to bring about a dip in form.
It felt like trying to get Iain Henderson, James Ryan, and Tadhg Beirne on the pitch together was going to be the right combination. But Peter keeps producing performances like that, which probably doesn't allow them to play Tadhg Beirne at six.
Playing [O'Mahony] at seven today, that just because Josh van der Flier is the only out and out seven in that squad, so they're having to find alternatives.
The second row, back row combination is where Ireland are particularly strong, because Ryan Baird and Tadhg Beirne can both play second and back row. Peter O'Mahony never seems to put in a bad performance, Josh van der Flier came on and did brilliant, Caelan Doris is probably one of the best players about at the minute.
From that point of view, there is so much depth there.
It is difficult to argue with that assessment.
While the idea of placing Tadhg Beirne in the back row so that Iain Henderson or Joe McCarthy could also be included in the team is no doubt an appealing one, taking Peter O'Mahony out of the side is not an option when you consider the performances he continually produces for Ireland.
If Ireland are to go on a deep run in this year's Rugby World Cup, he is certain to play a massive part in that.
SEE ALSO: Brian O'Driscoll Identifies The Most Important Aspect Of Ireland's Win Over Romania
