British & Irish Lions Head coach Warren Gatland’s decision to name Peter O’Mahony as captain in such an important match against the Maori All Black’s – a game commonly referred to as the “unofficial fourth Test” – means so much more to the 27–year‑old given that he missed a full year of rugby and had not made it back into the Ireland squad ahead of the Six Nations clash against England in March.
The Lions will be in good hands with O’Mahony at the helm, and Gatland would not rule out the possibility of him leading the Test side if Sam Warburton fails to oust Sean O’Brien and regain the openside flanker role.
Warburton looks likely to be selected to lead the side in next Saturday’s first Test against the All Blacks, with the tour captain poised to come on against the Maori All Blacks and add to the 135 minutes of rugby he has played over the last nine weeks.
The Maori All Blacks host the British and Irish Lions at 7.35pm tomorrow night.
Source: Independant.co
