Irish need to do a decent Italian job, says skipper

PETER O’mahony has warned Ireland not to create any more Guinness Six Nations torment against Italy today to add to their haunting 2013 defeat in Rome.

Munster flanker O’mahony admitted he still flinches at the spine-tingling 22-15 loss to the Italians six years ago which cost Declan Kidney his job.

Ireland finished fifth in that Six Nations, O’mahony winding up on the wing in a chastening first championship loss to the Azzurri.

Fast forward six years and Ireland are ranked second in the world under Joe Schmidt’s exacting tutelage, O’mahony standing in as skipper for the rested Rory Best for the Stadio Olimpico encounter.

Asked if the 2013 defeat remains a stark reminder of what can go wrong in Rome, O’mahony replied: “Yes it is.

“I remember doing the media after that game, I had a shiver down my spine.

“You just don’t like losing, it does not matter whether it is in Rome or at home.

“There are big days out there when you win things but it is funny, the days you lose are the days that stand out at times.

“It should not be the way but that is how it is.

“We will be looking for a big performance tomorrow.

“We understand how difficult it is every time you come to Rome, we know the physicality required.”

O’mahony will win his 55th Ireland cap this weekend and will captain his country for the seventh time.

The 29-year-old led the British and Irish Lions in their first Test against New Zealand in 2017 and in revealing his pride at captaining his country he also underscored the subtle need to coax the officials in his side’s favour.

“It is hugely special, an incredible honour, to captain Ireland,” added O’mahony.

“I have been lucky enough to captain the team twice before when the other lads were out but to get a chance to captain the team in the Six Nations - it is an incredible competition, one of the best in the world.

“It is not about personal milestones but it is special for me to be asked to lead the lads out tomorrow.

“It does not change my week or what I do to be honest. It is nice to be asked.

“There is an incredible amount of history gone with Irish captains.

“It is a huge honour to play in itself but being captain is just extra special.

“I will notsay anything differently but it is a nice honour.”