Thursday was a landmark day in the career of Peter O'Mahony. The Munster man was named Lions captain for the Saturday's game against a strong Maori All Blacks side.
Just a week away from the first Test against the All Blacks, the game serves as a primer for many of the players who will take to the field for Warren Gatland in next weekend's game at Eden Park.
It's a huge vote of confidence in O'Mahony and one which adds credibility to the hunch that he could start the first Test at blindside.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the game, Lions forwards coach Steve Borthwick outlined what he sees as the qualities that make O'Mahony a great leader.
The former England second row already knew plenty about the Cork man but the chance to work with him up close has only enhanced his view of the 27-year-old.
He has proven from his time with Munster that he is a fantastic leader who has played in many big games and I think tomorrow will be another great step in his career.
Peter is one of those glue players that you watch, and you watch again and you see the significance that he has upon a game.
He has a huge work rate and does the things in the game that need to be done, but aren’t necessarily spectacular. He is an incredibly fierce competitor, I see that in training.
He is a quiet man, he only speaks when something needs to be said, and when he speaks people listen. I have been incredibly impressed with him both as a player as a leader.
As the man charged with moulding the Lions lineout into a formidable unit, Borthwick will likely have been further impressed by what O'Mahony brings in that aspect of the game.
If the Lions are to front up against Whitelock, Retallick and Co., O'Mahony could be a key option.
