TWICKENHAM, United Kingdom: Peter O'Mahony believes the current Ireland team is the best of his 103-cap career but said there would be no complacency when they face England in the Six Nations today.
Victory for Ireland at Twickenham would set a new championship record of 12 wins in a row, with O'Mahony's men having equalled England's 11-win mark from 2017 against Wales last month.
It would also keep Ireland on course to become the first team in the Six Nations era to win back-to-back Grand Slams.
And if Ireland win with a bonus point, they will retain their Six Nations title with a game to spare.
Ireland captain O'Mahony has played Test rugby alongside all-time greats Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell and Johnny Sexton but believes the present team, coached by former England international Andy Farrell, is the best of his long international career.
"I've been lucky to play with lots of good players and teams," the 34-year-old Munster flanker said.
"If I had to nail the colours to the mast I'd have to say 'yes' (it is the best Ireland team he's played in).
"It's hard to compare because rugby has moved on and the game is different, but in a short answer, I think it is.
"I think the quality of players, it's a really, really healthy, good, thought-provoking, enjoyable environment, but obviously the quality of performance and results speaks for itself."
Ireland are bidding for a fifth successive win over England on Saturday, a feat they last achieved in the 1970s.
But O'Mahony warned the home team, who finished third at last year's Rugby World Cup, would be dangerous opponents.
"I know you're probably sick of hearing it from me, but it's a Test match tomorrow, Ireland versus England. It's about who plays better. It's not about anything else."
The veteran back-row forward added: "We know if we play well we'll be in with a shout. But if we don't fire this English team has incredible quality and can beat anyone on their day.
"It's not long ago they were competing in the last two games of the World Cup. We know we're in for a huge test here at Twickenham, as always." --AFP