As his performances have shown, Peter O'Mahony is now a genuine contender for selection, writes GAVIN CUMMISKEY

GRAND THING about Peter O’Mahony is he doesn’t need minding.

A natural leader, proved by captaincy appointments for Ireland schools and under-20s, the current learning curve is about acclimatising to the humidity of international rugby.

“The morning was fierce stressful,” he said of Saturday’s first Test start. “The warm-up was good. I felt good after it. The first 10 minutes was quite quick. The ball wasn’t out of play much. We were defending a lot so we were on the back foot. It was tiring, but a great experience. I felt my way into the game nice and early.”

Already, there are moments for O’Mahony to savour from this season’s championship. He almost rampaged over for a try with his first touch on his first cap against Italy.

On Saturday, while burrowing for ball near his own line, Jamie Heaslip double tapped him on the shoulder. Release. He did, but a Scottish forward decided to keep a hold of his jersey. The forearm came cleaving down twice. His opponent let go. He doesn’t need minding at all.

One clean turnover was followed by the now almost obligatory dazed head as he made way for Shane Jennings after an hour. He’s a genuine contender for selection now but early indications are that Seán O’Brien will return for Twickenham and that the 22-year-old must simmer on the bench.

“We have to wait and see how he (Seán) is,” explained Ireland manager Mick Kearney. “He was in hospital from Monday right through to the weekend. He probably lost a few kilos in weight. But he is in good form. The medical team will obviously monitor him during the week and we’re pretty confident he’ll be available for selection. If he is training today that is obviously a very good sign. The infection has cleared up so he is not on any oral antibiotics or anything like that. We are pretty sure he would be available for selection.”

O’Mahony’s versatility has served him well so far but he wants to be seen as an openside wing forward. “Any player will tell you he’s happy out once he gets picked. I’d like to learn more at seven, I’m not quite there yet, and I don’t think anyone ever is. I’m learning and enjoying seven but I’ll play six or eight. Even the way I am built it would suit me to play seven.”

Stand-in forwards coach Anthony Foley sat alongside him yesterday in Carton House. After a good few vicious afternoons in Twickenham himself, what advice would Munster’s past give the future? “Make sure you are right to play,” said Foley. “You don’t want to go there thinking it is Paddy’s Day and you have a certain amount of right. You know, you don’t. It is an occasion but you got to go there and play a rugby match.”

Everyone cracked a smile at the Paddy’s Day comment. Everyone except Peter O’Mahony, who was staring into the distance, stony faced.