SIMON EASTERBY says that giving Peter O’Mahony an Aviva farewell was one of his easiest decisions ever.
O’Mahony, 35, will play his final home game for Ireland in Dublin tomorrow against France.
Cian Healy, 37, and Conor Murray, 35, will say their goodbyes off the bench — but flanker O’Mahony will start after he impressed against Wales.
Interim boss Easterby says it was a no-brainer to select the veteran for what is seen by many as the Six Nations decider.
He said: “It’s an easy decision to pick Pete again this week off the back of an 80-minute performance in Cardiff.
“He didn’t just start the game well, he finished it strongly as well. He tackled everything that moved. He carries well, he made a positional change in that game as well.
“There were lots of factors why Pete gets picked, not just because of his stature and presence in the group but also how he makes other people feel.
“He’s been the best team-mate that anyone could have out of anyone in the squad because all his focus has been making the guys who are starting or who are on the bench, or himself if he’s in that position, play the best that they can play.
“And he gives others confidence whether he’s involved in that 23 or whether he’s outside it.”
