Eire captain Peter O’Mahony says it might be disrespectful to treat rivals Wales as a “banana pores and skin” forward of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations conflict in Dublin.
Warren Gatland’s winless guests arrive on the Aviva Stadium as main underdogs on the again of slim championship defeats to Scotland and England amid a transitional interval.
Reigning champions Eire haven’t misplaced at house in three years and are in pole place to retain their crown following thumping bonus-point victories over France and Italy.
Munster flanker O’Mahony, who returns as one in all seven personnel modifications from the 36-0 victory over the Azzurri in spherical two, believes Wales’ gamers are a “totally different animal” when representing their nation.
“I believe a banana pores and skin is a disrespectful time period for this Welsh staff,” mentioned the 34-year-old.
“I’ve learnt the arduous means a very good few occasions; these persons are very, very proud and so they develop massively after they pull on that crimson shirt.
“They’re a special animal, a special staff and I’ve been on the receiving finish of some heavy losses to those guys a number of occasions.
“There’s transition however it’s the Welsh 15 coming tomorrow, it’s nobody else and I do know from expertise they’re an unbelievably proud nation and so they play large and earn the jersey.
“That’s what we’ll 100 per cent expect tomorrow.”
Eire are chasing an 18th successive house win to equal England’s report, set in 2017, of 11 consecutive Six Nations victories.
Feedback from the Wales camp recommend they may try and trigger “chaos” in a bid to knock the hosts off their perch and register a primary championship win on Irish soil since 2012.
O’Mahony accepts Eire’s sustained type throughout the previous three years has put a goal on their again.
“Look, that’s the sport, isn’t it? We’ve a very good report, we’re enjoying nicely,” he mentioned.
“We now have spoken about it and we’ve a goal on us however that comes with the territory and it’s important to be cool with that and that you will get one of the best of each staff.
“We all know after we’re good that we’re going to place groups beneath stress and different groups know that now as nicely.
“In consequence, we anticipate to get one of the best of each staff and we’ve little question however that we’re going to get one of the best of Wales tomorrow.”
Eire are heading in the right direction to develop into the primary aspect to assert back-to-back Grand Slam titles within the Six Nations period.
But O’Mahony, who changed the retired Johnny Sexton as skipper after the World Cup, is just not getting carried away.
“Oh Jaysus,” he replied when requested in regards to the prospect of lifting silverware.
“Look, it might imply an enormous quantity for me tomorrow to win tomorrow, that’s what I’m specializing in.
“Individuals can, I suppose, predict all they need however you may’t drop the ball of what’s in entrance of you.
“You’ve most likely heard that earlier than however as quickly as you look previous that, groups can journey you up and catch you out.”