Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

O'Mahony would make 'rugged' Lions captain, says All Blacks' Cane

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Ireland loose forward Peter O'Mahony would make a rugged, uncompromising captain if he was named to lead the British and Irish Lions in Saturday's first test, All Blacks flanker Sam Cane has said.

O'Mahony would make 'rugged' Lions captain, says All Blacks' Cane
(Reuters)

The 28-year-old O'Mahony led the Lions last Saturday in their 32-10 victory over the Maori All Blacks, with tour captain Sam Warburton coming off the bench.

Warburton has been under pressure for a starting spot in the test side with Ireland's Sean O'Brien combining well with O'Mahony and Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau in what has been the strongest Lions loose forward combination.

British media have reported that O'Mahony would be named captain for the first test, with Warburton and lock Alun Wyn Jones, who led the side for the final test in Australia four years ago, likely to come off the bench.

"He's got quite a rugged approach to the game and he does it very well," Cane said on Tuesday when asked what he thought of O'Mahony as a possible Lions skipper at Eden Park.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"Obviously a very strong lineout forward, an uncompromising type of player who leads by example.

"I'm sure if ... he's the skipper and he's on the side of the scrum, we'll do our best not to let him disrupt us."

The Lions face the Waikato Chiefs later on Tuesday, with coach Warren Gatland expected to name his side for the first of three tests against the All Blacks on Thursday.

(This version of the story corrects O'Brien's first name in third paragraph)

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Peter Rutherford)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world