O’mahony says ‘banana skin’ label is disrespectful to Wales
Ireland captain Peter O’mahony says it would be disrespectful to regard rivals Wales as a “banana skin” ahead of today’s Guinness Six Nations clash in Dublin.
Warren Gatland’s winless visitors arrive at the Aviva Stadium as major underdogs on the back of narrow championship defeats to Scotland and England amid a transitional period.
Reigning champions Ireland have not lost at home in three years and are in pole position to retain their crown following thumping bonus-point victories over France and Italy.
Munster flanker O’mahony, who returns as one of seven personnel changes from the 36-0 victory over the Azzurri in round two, believes Wales’ players are a “different animal” when representing their country.
“I think a banana skin is a disrespectful term for this Welsh team,” said the 34-year-old.
“I’ve learnt the hard way a good few times; these people are very, very proud and they grow massively when they pull on that red shirt. They’re a different animal, a different team and I’ve been on the receiving end of some heavy losses to these guys a few times.
“There is transition but it’s the Welsh 15 coming tomorrow, it’s no one else and I know from experience they’re an unbelievably proud nation and they play big and earn the jersey. That’s what we’ll 100 per cent be expecting tomorrow.”
Ireland are chasing an 18th successive home win to equal
England’s record, set in 2017, of 11 consecutive Six Nations victories.
Comments from the Wales camp suggest they will attempt to cause “chaos” in a bid to knock the hosts off their perch and register a first championship win on Irish soil since 2012. O’mahony accepts Ireland’s sustained form during the past three years has put a target on their back.
“Look, that’s the game, isn’t it? We’ve a good record, we’re playing well,” he said.
“We have spoken about it and we have a target on us but that comes with the territory and you have to be cool with that and that you are going to get the best of every team.
“We know when we’re good that we’re going to put teams under pressure and other teams know that now as well.
“As a result, we expect to get the best of every team and we have no doubt but that we’re going to get the best of Wales tomorrow.”
Wales are going into the match excited and not scared, according to their centre Nick Tompkings, even if more than a third of their match-day 23 have cap totals in single figures, while a vastly-experienced Ireland team last suffered a Six Nations defeat two years ago.
Asked if there was a more daunting test in world rugby than tackling Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, Wales centre Tompkins said: “I don’t know about daunting.
“Daunting makes it sounds like we are scared. We are not. We are excited.
“Realistically, we have got nothing to lose. It is a big challenge, but you need those big ones.
“There is no point in playing a mediocre side, and it is going to be good to see where we are at.”