Peter O'Mahony: “Red cards like that probably do games no favours"

O'Mahony admitted that the dismissal of Italy’s Hame Faiva did Sunday's Six Nations game “no favours”

Referee Nika Amashukeli shows a red card to Epalahame Faiva of Italy during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match at the Aviva. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Peter O’Mahony admitted that the early red card for Italy’s Hame Faiva did Sunday's Six Nations game “no favours” and made it difficult for Andy Farrell’s Ireland team to find its rhythm.

The hosts came through 57-6 having scored nine tries but that was no more than anyone expected at the start of the second quarter when Italy lost their replacement hooker having already been deprived of their starting No.2 to injury.