Ireland‘s Peter O’Mahony Calls Reaction to All Blacks Loss “Hysterical”
CHICAGO – Veteran Ireland flanker peter O’Mahony has urged Irish rugby fans and the media to gain “perspective” following the team’s recent 26-13 defeat to New Zealand in Chicago. O’Mahony believes the level of criticism directed at Andy Farrell’s side is disproportionate, given the historical context of Ireland’s struggles against the All Blacks and the team’s recent successes.
The response to the Soldier Field loss, coupled with Ireland surrendering their Six Nations title to France earlier this year, has sparked debate about the team’s trajectory as they build towards the 2027 World cup. O’Mahony, speaking on the BBC’s rugby Social podcast with Conor Murray, pointed to a time when simply competing with New Zealand was considered a victory for Ireland. He highlighted that Ireland didn’t secure a Test win against the All Blacks until 2016, and recalled a notably heavy defeat – a 60-0 loss in hamilton during a 2012 series whitewash.
“It’s kind of ironic at the moment because people are asking me about the current Irish team and what’s going on,” O’Mahony said. “It’s funny [where] the state of mind of an Irish rugby supporter has gone from me starting my career… to now saying there must be something big wrong with Ireland if we’ve lost to the All Blacks.”
O’Mahony emphasized the shift in expectations following Ireland’s breakthrough win in 2016, which led to a period of dominance over New Zealand, with five wins in ten matches.He believes the media narrative contributes to the heightened emotional response. “I think it should be a bit of perspective from Irish rugby fans in general, calm down a bit,” he stated. “They can be hysterical at times, you know what I mean? Part of that is the media.”
Ireland followed the All Blacks match with a win against Japan on Saturday, but the questions surrounding their form and direction remain. O’Mahony’s comments serve as a call for measured assessment as the team continues its autumn series and prepares for future challenges.
