Peter O'Mahony says he hasn't been impressed by the media over the scrutiny focused on new Ireland team-mate Bundee Aki.
Connacht centre Aki will make his Ireland debut on Saturday against South Africa in the first of this year's November Internationals, having benefited from the three year residency rules that now make him eligible for an Irish cap.
The Auckland born player, who played a crucial role as Connacht won their maiden Guinness Pro 12 title in 2015-16, joins O'Mahony's Munster team-mate CJ Stander (South Africa) and Jared Payne (New Zealand) among Irish internationals from overseas backgrounds who qualified via the three year rule which will be extended to five years from 2020.
O'Mahony was speaking to our own Oisin Langan ahead of Saturday's clash and he admitted that he was baffled by the intense media focus on the Aki case.
Bundee Aki ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
"I've been very lucky enough to play alongside some super players that have benefited and come in from that rule and as you said, it's a rule that stands there and Bundee or any of the lads who've done it, have done nothing wrong," said the Munster captain.
"I can't understand why there was such a focus on him personally. I didn't think it was very impressive from a media side point of view to be honest but look, that's the job and the life that we run and it's part and parcel and I'm sure it's water off a duck's back for him."
O'Mahony also feels Aki is settling in well in camp as he gets to grip with Ireland's game-plan.
"He's kept his head down this week. He's obviously done a fair bit of learning. We've only had one brief camp before so there's been a bit of learning for everyone to do and he's kept his head down, he's worked hard. We've all seen what he does on the pitch, so it was important for us all to get our heads down and start working in one direction," he said.
