South Africa v Ireland: ‘Nobody in our team was surprised he was selected’ – Peter O’Mahony backs Irish newcomer Jamie Osborne

And he says no one in the squad was surprised when Andy Farrell opted to give the 22-year-old his first cap as a full-back at Loftus Versfeld.

Osborne made most of his professional appearances in midfield for Leinster but was tasked with filling the void left by Olympic prop Hugo Keenan.

However, O’Mahony believes he is ready.

“He’s a very patient and very discreet boy,” the captain said of the new face who is 12 years younger than him.

“Obviously he’s performed incredibly well for Leinster over the last few seasons. One of the guys presented him with his jersey last night and said it wasn’t a question of if, but when, his cap would come.

“He wants to learn, he’s been a top professional from a young age. No one on our team was surprised that he was selected.”

Farrell has included Osborne in numerous squads so far and spoke glowingly of the Naas man on Thursday. O’Mahony said comfort with the new system would withstand the new cap.

“It usually helps,” he said.

“Over the years Andy has named teams and brought players in and out at different times to gain experience and that will benefit Jamie. He’s been around a few times now and spent a lot of time with us.

“It allows you to get to know the players better and feel more comfortable. You play for something more when you know people better. He’s been around long enough now to know that it really matters to us.

South Africa Daily Tour – July 5

“Obviously it means a lot to everyone when they play for Ireland, but to play for the group alongside you means a lot.

“He will have a great sense of support from us over the last few days, certainly, but also since he arrived in camp.”

Tomorrow’s game will be O’Mahony’s 106th cap, but his first for Ireland in South Africa.

Although Leinster and Munster have already experienced what the famous Pretoria venue has to offer, O’Mahony is expecting a very different experience.

“Yes, I missed the tour in 2016, unfortunately. There are not many of us who have played a Test in South Africa,” he said.

“Even talking to the youngsters, you can sometimes give them advice on what it’s going to look like, but there are very few of us who can do that. I don’t think any of us have played a Test in South Africa.

“It helps if you’ve been to the stadium before, but international is different to URC and there’s no point saying it isn’t.

“It’s a different game, a different intensity and you’ll have a different type of crowd. It’s a big event for South Africa coming back here since the World Cup. I imagine it’ll be an incredible atmosphere for everyone.

“Loftus will not be comparable to April. It’s the same terrain, but it will be a different animal.”