Ian Costello: Peter O'Mahony's return is critical for Munster

But Costello will have to make do without six other Ireland internationals currently preparing for next Friday’s Test against New Zealand.

CRITICAL: Peter O'Mahony's return is critical for Munster believes Ian Costello. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Peter O’Mahony’s return to full fitness ahead of the Autumn Nations Series is one thing to be celebrated but as far as Munster are concerned, his availability for tonight’s showcase against the All Blacks XV is critical.

That is the view of interim head coach Ian Costello as he makes do without six other Ireland internationals currently preparing for next Friday’s Test against New Zealand.

With a matchday squad containing six academy players, O’Mahony’s return from a hamstring injury sustained against Ospreys on October 5 is more than welcome and Costello said: “I could underplay it but it’s critical.

“I’ve known Pete a long, long time, his leadership is outstanding but where Peter’s really evolved and grown, I think, is his impact on others, his influence on others.

“He sits with young lads at lunchtime, he’s isolating guys to sit down and talk about their notes, he’s in talking to us around ‘what can I do? Can I do this?’.

“He’s been brilliant this week. He’s good every week but sometimes, like anything, in certain situations people step up and he’s been so impressive this week.

“So thankfully Andy Farrell left him behind, and he couldn’t have picked a better week to leave him behind and play with us if I’m honest.”

Costello’s previous experience at the reins was at Wasps in December 2021 when the senior coaching staff and squad was stranded in South Africa on Covid lockdown.

With eight internationals and 12 debutants, Munster emerged with an epic 35-14 Champions Cup pool win in Coventry, then-club captain O’Mahony setting the tone with a try-saving tackle inside 120 seconds.

“Peter ran a personal best making a tackle on Thomas Young in the left corner,” Costello said.

“He ran 107 per cent in terms of his GPS, he ran faster than he had ever run, recorded on a GPS that we had, early in the game to make a tackle. I remember that being one of the key moments and it really stands to me.

“There was a double hit by Conor Moloney and Mark Donnelly on Jeff Toomaga (Toomaga-Allen). A double tackle in the last minute of the game and I remember thinking, that’s two young lads and what it meant to them to play in a Munster shirt.

“I think we’ll have a few more on Saturday. I think there’s a few guys who if they get their opportunity in the right conditions could be really exciting. It will be exciting if they show up on Saturday.”