In quartet's absence, others need to step up for Ireland in South Africa

Even a veteran Test centurion like O’Mahony has had some stepping up to do for Ireland in recent months and rest assured many more will be expected to follow his example against the Springboks.

Ireland’s Mack Hansen and Jamison Gibson-Park celebrate with Hugo Keenan. Picture: ©INPHO/Photosport/Elias Rodriguez

Andy Farrell signed off from a successful Six Nations title defence in March praising his squad’s ability to step up in the absence of players.

The Ireland head coach will want precisely the same response when his touring party travels south of the Equator next Tuesday to face the back-to-back world champions without even more personnel who have been pivotal in those successes.