O’Mahony: We won’t be lacking motivation

IRELAND flanker Peter O’Mahony says Joe Schmidt’s side won’t be short on motivation against England, despite seeing their Six Nations hopes ended by defeat to Wales.

The men in green were beaten 22-9 in Cardiff, as George North’s double saw them on the wrong side of the result. Two Johnny Sexton kicks and a Paddy Jackson effort were the visitors’ only points, and England’s Calcutta Cup win over Scotland means they will arrive in Dublin next Saturday as 2017 champions and chasing a second consecutive Grand Slam.

Ireland will have only pride to play for, but O’Mahony won't be holding back.

He said: “There will be motivation there. You’re playing at home, we haven’t lost at home in a long time in the Six Nations. Playing against England in the last game could see us finish second, so there won’t be any problem getting up for this game.

“England won’t be looking to do anything but win, so it will be a big one.”

Ireland weren’t helped at Principality Stadium by a yellow card for Sexton and losing the Leinster man’s half-back partner Conor Murray to an arm injury.

But O’Mahony admitted Wales deserved to win as Schmidt’s men failed to score a try for the first time since their defeat to New Zealand in Dublin in November.

“When Wales got an opportunity they were clinical, they took their chances and their defence was excellent,” the Munster forward added.

“This is Test rugby, it is such small margins, and if you don’t take your opportunities then you can only blame yourselves.”

This was Ireland’s second tournament defeat after their opening-round loss to Scotland. O’Mahony added: “It probably is more difficult to take. We were still in the hunt, and if we won this one you’re into the final weekend and looking to win the championship.

“With the ball we had it is disappointing not to come out with anything.”