Foley tips O’Mahony to become world class
The silken skills Brian O’Driscoll brought to the game will be nigh impossible to replicate but Foley believes Peter O’Mahony will ultimately leave a huge lasting impression on Irish and world rugby.
Foley joked he would like nothing better than for O’Driscoll to go out on a high with Ireland rather than with Leinster, but he hopes the iconic centre gets more silverware before he finally hangs up his boots.
“He (O’Driscoll) has been a massive servant for the country, he is a gentleman, a superstar and it’s amazing what he has done for both the Ireland and Leinster products at home and for the Lions,” said Foley yesterday.
A different player in a different position is O’Mahony, but Foley is confident he will emerge as a hugely charismatic figure for Munster, Ireland and the Lions in the years to come.
Foley’s opinion of the back row forward following a hugely impressive performance in Munster’s Heineken Cup win over Edinburgh a week last Sunday highlights his admiration.
“He’s his own man, I can tell you that. I’ve known Peter since he was 19, he came through when I was coaching the 20s, he went on through the Academy and the A system as well and he has always been a leader, the guy that others gravitate towards when they’re out on the pitch.”
Although O’Mahony struggled following a heavy knock to his shin in the opening minute of that Edinburgh match, the 23-year-old skipper kept going and scored the crucial fourth try that gave Munster a bonus point win and secured a home quarter-final draw.
“Amazing,” said Foley of that try. “He carried the ball into two or three players and came out the other side to get over the line. The sheer power of the man, the sheer determination to keep running and fighting was amazing.
“He got a bang early in the game, was limping for most of it, but he just kept going.”
O’Mahony is single-minded and meticulous in his attention to detail and Foley praised the skipper for the way he helped prepare and guide Munster through Pool 6 following an opening day defeat away to the Scots.
“Over those last weeks, especially the final couple of weeks, we kept our heads down. The boys played really well to get the result over in Gloucester, and against Edinburgh we knew we had something to play for, we knew Toulouse had given us an opportunity to get a home quarter-final and the crowd turned up on Sunday morning; they were all part of the game, great atmosphere and the boys pulled it off.”
O’Mahony has quickly endeared himself to the Munster and Irish rugby public, his honesty, determination, drive and skill key components to build on his growing reputation.
And Foley isn’t surprised that Munster continue to produce players of his ilk.
“I’ve been there (with Munster) a long time and you become part of the process. When players move on, you wonder how you’re going to replace them but the replacements will come through, there are always guys underneath fighting to get in there and fighting to make a name. When they get in there they appreciate how hard it was to get there and make it hard for anyone else to take their place. It’s a legacy as such, the likes of Rog, Paulie and others will all have left legacies but there are guys who can step up to the plate and take the club forward, ultimately helping Irish rugby as well. Peter is one of those players and others will now follow his example.”
On a personal level, Foley is delighted with the opportunity to work at a national level.
“It’s great, I’m getting exposure to different coaches, to different coaching styles, to a different environment and a different level of the sport and that’s always good.
“It stretches you, and you’re forced to broaden your horizons, it’s really enjoyable and I’m very fortunate to have these opportunities.
” I think it’s always good to appreciate the qualities of other players, particularly at provincial level. They’re the cream of the crop, the best in the country, and when you work with them you’re on your toes to make sure they’re getting the right information and they’ve got the right structures so they can perform. It’s important as coaches we put the right environment in front of them so they can put in complete performances.”
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