Ireland out to avoid another ‘pure carnage’ Six Nations Super Saturday
Peter O’Mahony of Ireland leaves the pitch after receiving a yellow card during the 2024 Guinness 6 Nations match England vs Ireland at Twickenham Stadium.
Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony is eager to prevent the ‘pure carnage’ of another tense Six Nations finale as Ireland look to secure back-to-back titles on Saturday.
Andy Farrell’s charges host Scotland in Dublin on Saturday with a victory set to seal a title for Ireland, and while they are aware of all the permutations, they do not want to leave the outcome to chance.
A single bonus point – losing or try – could be sufficient for Ireland but a pointless loss would leave the Irish sweating on the outcome of England’s clash with France in the final fixture.
Focusing on the win
The Irish squad endured an anxious wait to celebrate their 2015 Six Nations success when points difference ultimately elevated them above England and Wales to seal the title, and O’Mahony, who was part of that squad, wants to avoid a recurrence.
“You have to discuss these things, especially the guys who are making decisions around refereeing calls, that kind of stuff, penalties,” said O’Mahony.
“We are going out to win tomorrow; that’s what we do for every Test match.
“Of course, there’s a handful of us who might have to make a decision or need to know the permutations but we want to put in a performance tomorrow that’s capable of winning.”
Nine years ago, Ireland thrashed Scotland 40-10 on the last day of the tournament. Despite Warren Gatland side’s 61-20 win over Italy, Ireland moved ahead of Wales in the standings.
However, Joe Schmidt’s team nervously watched on as England tackled France in the final game – requiring a win of 26 points or more to snatch the title – and fell just short with a 55-35 victory.
“That was the mad day, wasn’t it? Yeah, it was torture,” said O’Mahony. “Wales went out and put up a big score, then we did the job and then it was pure carnage the last game.
“I’m sure it was a great watch for the rest of the world. I remember watching it from the stairwell in Murrayfield, praying to God, so, look, that’s what the Super Saturday means for the competition.
“It’s great that there are so many teams involved that can win it.”
Privileged position
O’Mahony is bidding to win the Six Nations for the first time as skipper and fifth overall, and having been involved in his fair share of Super Saturdays, he says that the side are now in a position of privilege.
“I’ve spoken about that to the team early this week. I’ve been in plenty of games last game of the competition that we haven’t been in with a shout,” he added.
“The position that we’re in it’s very privileged and you can never take it for granted.
“What a game to be selected for and an opportunity to play for your country to win silverware.
“It’s a huge game for lots and lots of reasons and you’ve got to go and play the match not the occasion.”
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