Defiant O’Mahony hoping to floor French

Peter O’Mahony has warned France not to expect Ireland to take a backward step in tomorrow’s clash of the vanquished at the Aviva Stadium.

O’Mahony figures France will come rushing out of the blocks after three successive defeats – unthinkable for a French side – but the Irish flanker yesterday promised they will be matched for intensity step for step.

Ireland have had their own share of trauma after two narrow defeats in succession, the last against Scotland probably the toughest loss in two decades. O’Mahony admitted Ireland were hurting but insisted no motivation would be needed.