JAPAN WOE WILL MAKE US STRONG

MUNSTER skipper Peter O’mahony believes some of Ireland’s players will become stronger after another chastening World Cup experience.

But the 30-year old agrees with Johnny Sexton that the disappointment of Japan could linger with players for years.

The flanker (above) said: “It’s a fair comment but you have to be able to use these experiences for more positive experiences down the line. I think the mentally stronger players will probably use it better and deal with it better.” O’mahony has now chalked up 64 Irish caps alongside 127 games for Munster but is raring to lead the Reds into Europe this weekend when they open their campaign against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

He said: “The last time I came home from a World Cup I was out for 12 months so it’s certainly better than that. My body feels good. Two weeks off back home with the family, back home to Cork for two weeks and I was hugely ready to come back in last week.

“I was really looking forward to getting back in. I hadn’t seen some of the boys for a long time. This place is home to me and I love coming home.

“It’s great to come home and being on top of our group in the PRO14. Being back into Europe now is another little bit enjoyment. You can see it on a Monday, there is always a great buzz here when Europe comes around.”

Reds coach Johann van Graan is sweating over out-half JJ Hanrahan’s fitness as he battles a hamstring injury.

Loosehead Dave Kilcoyne is out with a calf problem and flanker Chris Cloete is missing because of a head knock.