Peter O’Mahony says Ireland are intent on emulating the confident mentality of the All Blacks as they search to substantiate their world primary standing by delivering on Grand Slam expectations.
Andy Farrell’s aspect, who’ve topped the worldwide rankings since final summer season’s historic tour success over three-time world champions New Zealand, are heavy favourites to clinch a Guinness Six Nations clear sweep going into Saturday’s Dublin showdown with rivals England.
Flanker O’Mahony concedes Ireland sides of the previous would have shied away from the hype, plaudits and stress of being considered the group to be beat.
But the 33-year-old admits there’s a concerted effort to reinforce that mindset forward of what’s “probably” his largest recreation within the inexperienced jersey.
Asked if in-camp Grand Slam speak was forbidden, he replied: “No, it’s not banned (but) I know where you are coming from.
“In other teams we would have tried to keep it under the rope but the favourites tag, the number one in the world tag… these are things that the best teams we’ve looked at – you look at the All Blacks – they walk into these things and face them and that’s what we’re trying to do.
“At the same time, you’ve got to back that up with performances. There’s no point in walking into things and not performing well.
“At the end of the day, that’s the goal, to put our best foot forward every Saturday or Sunday that we go out. And it’s no different this weekend.”
O’Mahony has already gained three Six Nations titles, together with a Grand Slam 5 years in the past.
The Munster skipper additionally began all three Tests of final yr’s triumphant sequence in New Zealand however is braced for essentially the most momentous match for his nation.
“It’s probably the biggest one,” stated O’Mahony, who has 93 caps.
“Certainly the biggest one of this group’s campaign, but it’s great to be able to sit here and say these games are getting bigger and bigger.
“That was certainly our plan at the start of this.
“These weeks don’t come around very often in anyone’s career. We’ve certainly talked about treating it with the utmost respect but enjoying the week.
“I think playing the game, not the occasion is the thing for us.”
In-form Ireland are searching for vital silverware on the again of a exceptional run of 21 wins from their final 23 matches in the course of the previous two years.
Floundering England, in the meantime, journey throughout the Irish Sea with little to play for however trying to restore satisfaction following their largest Twickenham defeat – a 53-10 humiliation by the hands of France.
O’Mahony, who captained the British and Irish Lions in 2017, believes there isn’t any probability of Steve Borthwick’s aspect rolling over.
“I’m not buying it,” he stated. “I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside a big chunk of that English team and I know how proud they are.
“I know what quality of player they are, quality of person they are, and how important it would be for them to put on a performance for themselves more than anyone, to show themselves the potential that I certainly know they have.
“We’re expecting the best version of those English boys to come to the Aviva.”
