Ireland’s players are much more familiar with playing in the country than would have previously been the case thanks to the United Rugby Championship [URC].
Irish provinces make at least one trip the southern hemisphere each season thanks to the Sharks, Lions, Stormers and Bulls joining their domestic league in 2021.
O’Mahony, however, says that those fixtures cannot be compared to the Test arena.
“It helps you’ve been in the stadium before but international rugby is different to URC, there’s no point in saying otherwise,” he added.
“It’s a different animal, a different intensity. You’re going to have a different type crowd.
“It’s a big occasion for South Africa, coming back here for the first time since winning the World Cup, first Test back here. I think it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere for everyone.”
Ireland have won the past three meetings between the sides, twice in Dublin and, most recently, in Paris at last year’s World Cup.
Despite their pool stage loss at the Stade de France, the Springboks would go on to win that tournament, lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time in succession.
There has been some change for South Africa in the ensuing nine months, most notably in the coaching box.
Former Japan assistant Tony Brown and O’Mahony’s old Munster coach Jerry Flannery were victorious in their first game on Rassie Erasmus’ ticket against Wales last month.
But O’Mahony is still expecting a Springbok side that will play to their traditional strengths.
“We certainly had a look at what they did against Wales,” he said.
“They’re only one Test in so it’s hard to predict what’s coming but I don’t think they’ll go away from what they’re incredibly, incredibly good at.
“They’re world champions for a reason and that base for their game isn’t going to change.
“I’m sure there’ll be some new things and things they’ll throw in, curveballs, but that’s Test rugby and what you have to adapt to.”
