Josh van der Flier: Cool Peter O'Mahony helped us shut out Marseille maelstrom

O'Mahony's in-game exhibition of leadership galvanised Ireland's collective mental strength, says Josh van der Flier. 

Ireland's Peter O'Mahony after the 2024 Guinness Six Nations Championship win over France at the Velodrome, Marseille.

Peter O’Mahony’s calm under pressure captaincy in the heat of Ireland’s epic win over France has earned the praise of fellow back-rower Josh van der Flier as the defending Guinness Six Nations begin preparations for Sunday’s home clash with Italy.

Ireland return home to Aviva Stadium after silencing Marseille’s Stade Velodrome last Friday night with a record 38-17 victory, their commanding performance eventually subduing what had been a hostile and fever-pitch atmosphere ignited by the home crowds’ rousing rendition of La Marseillaise before kick-off.