Peter O’Mahony doesn’t underestimate ‘dangerous’ France
By Grainne McGuinness and Shaun Cronin
Peter O’Mahony believes France pose a real threat in the Six Nations and says Ireland will have to be wary of Saturday’s opposition.
“I think there’s always a fear factor with France,” he said, speaking after the
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“I don’t think they quite showed their hand (against Scotland), I think they are a more dangerous side than they showed last week.”
France won their opening game 15-8 in Paris last weekend, but struggled at times against a well-organized, defensive Scotland.
But O’Mahony insists they still pose a significant threat.
“Guys like their back line, Bastareaud, they are a dangerous, dangerous side,” he said. “You knock them back two or three phases in defence and they go down the short side, third or fourth phase in.
“The fear is certainly always there with France.”
The Munster back row was asked if Ireland could also be described as having not shown their full strength in the opening game of the tournament - last week’s victory against Italy.
“We need to improve on our showing last week certainly,” O’Mahony admitted.
“I think we were off the pace physically at times, ball-carrying, there are plenty of areas for us to work on.”
The player shrugged off the suggestion that this week’s starting XV was a better side than began the match against Italy.
“The team that takes the field on any given weekend is the strongest Ireland team you’re going to get,” he insisted. “Injury wise, it doesn’t matter.”
But he also acknowledged the boost from having some big-name absentees back for the tougher test France would pose.
“It’s good to have some guys back obviously,” he said. “There are some big figures back.
“But from a personal point of view and preparing, for me it’s the same as any other week.”
