VIDEO - 'He is not happy': Farrell on O'Mahony's demotion
UMHLANGA, DURBAN: Head coach Andy Farrell stated that informing Peter O’Mahony that he was dropped as captain for the upcoming Test against South Africa was an ‘easy conversation’ because of the 34-year-old’s personality.
The leadership responsibility has been handed to No.8 Caelan Doris, with O’Mahony demoted to the bench following last weekend’s 20-27 defeat at Loftus Versfeld.
Tadhg Beirne, who was in the second row last week, will switch to the blindside flank, while Josh van der Flier will be at openside and Doris at No.8.
Farrell admitted the veteran skipper O’Mahony was not happy.
However, it’s a sacrifice he is more than willing to make for the team.
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“You don’t expect those conversations to be easy and don’t get me wrong, he’s not accepting and he’s not happy. But he does the right thing for the team,” Farrell told reporters in Umhlanga in Durban.
“That’s at the forefront of his mind constantly, and that’s proper leadership.
“He understands that we want to have a look in this direction to see how it goes.
“He’s the captain of this tour and it shows the mark of the man – how you lead after a bit of disappointment, how you carry on being yourself or not.”
The Englishman added: “What people are failing to talk about at this moment in time is that James Ryan has been a starter for us for years and years and been a real leader within our side and he’s not happy sitting on the bench either.
“I thought he had a great impact off the bench last week.”
Farrell’s decision to drop the skipper ahead of the crucial match against the No.1 ranked side, is an indication that the 34-year-old O’Mahony’s international is approaching its end.
However, Farrell said the veteran, who turns 35 later this year, is still a valuable figure in the team’s progress and his leadership will be vital for Saturday’s match as they seek to level the series.
“He’s on the bench for a reason,” the head coach said of O’Mahony.
“He makes people feel good, it’s right when he’s there with his presence and leading.”
Caelan Doris named captain as Peter O’Mahony starts on the bench.
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The new guard
The 26-year-old Doris took over the captaincy when O’Mahony was taken off last Saturday.
In the wake of the match, loads of questions have surfaced surrounding his communication with officials after his exchanges with referee Luke Pearce.
“I’m more than confident. I thought he was excellent at the weekend,” Farrell said when asked about Doris’ interaction with the officials.
“First and foremost, he leads from the front. He is in outstanding form.
“His performance last week, the leadership in captaining the team was outstanding.
“Being the best version of yourself is the best form of leadership.
“But also he is a calming influence. He is bright and he is going to the referees with the right questions.
“I’m sure as Caelan [Doris] goes through his leadership roles and hopefully there will be many more as far as captaincy is concerned.
“He is still in his infant stages and trying to get more experience, hence why he got this opportunity. He will continue to earn respect for himself as a captain and most of all in the eyes of the referee as well.”
