Peter O'Mahony keeping the faith after first Test defeat

Peter O'Mahony insists Ireland will not allow yesterday's first Test defeat to South Africa dent their confidence, as they look to level the series next Saturday in Durban.

Ireland were beaten 27-20 by the world champions yesterday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, with head coach Andy Farrell left to rue a defensively sluggish first half, in which the Springboks' attack stretched them from touchline to touchline.

The squad will depart for Durban today, ahead of Saturday's second Test at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, and it's likely they'll be forced into at least two changes.

Scrum-half Craig Casey is almost certain to be ruled out after suffering a concussion, having been one of Ireland's leading performers, while hooker Dan Sheehan is also a major doubt after picking up a knee injury and departing at half time.

Additionally, Robbie Henshaw was also removed at half time having received treatment on a shoulder injury in the opening half. Jamie Osborne, who scored Ireland's opening try on his debut, is being monitored for a groin injury.

With this being just a two-game series, the prospect of a series win is already gone for Ireland, but O'Mahony doesn't believe that will take any edge away from their preparations this week.

"This team has a huge amount of character, don't get me wrong it's a tough place to come and play rugby but we have all the football," he said after yesterday's game in Pretoria.

"Technical and tactical side of it, we just need to deliver it on the pitch."

While 14 of South Africa's 27 points came in the final 15 minute of the game, O'Mahony echoed his head coach's belief that the game was won and lost in the first half.

"It was an intense test match. We were chasing the game in the first half defensively with the