Peter O’Mahony says Ireland are not out to prove a point in Friday’s Six Nations opener against France.

But 34-year-old O’Mahony, who has taken over from retired Johnny Sexton as captain, says Ireland are fully focused on the road ahead.

“Performance is paramount for every Test match,” the Munster flanker said on the eve of the France match.

Expanding on Ireland moving past another World Cup knockout defeat by New Zealand, O’Mahony added: “We’re not trying to prove a point to ourselves about what happened.

“We’re trying to prove to ourselves in performance, where the scene is at, where we want to go, setting up momentum.

“It’s not about putting things right or whatever. It’s about a Test match tomorrow night. That’s what the occasion is, it’s the most important thing for us.

“And performance is absolutely paramount. That’s what everyone is here to do, be the best version of themselves. That’s what we’re trying to do for Ireland.”

Many expect the winners of Friday’s curtain-raiser in Marseille to go on to win the championship.

And while O’Mahony was loathe to attach that level of significance to Friday’s encounter, he admitted every Six Nations game is “colossal” as Ireland go in search of back-to-back Grand Slams.

“I don’t know about that. It’s the first one up for us, first one up for them,” added O’Mahony, who will win his 102nd Ireland cap on Friday.

“In this competition, every game is colossal and that’s an understatement.

“Both of us are out there tomorrow to win the game, set ourselves up with some momentum for the rest of the campaign.”

O’Mahony also revealed he spoke to predecessor Sexton recently as he looks to maintain the standards the Leinster legend set during his four-year captaincy.

“I had a good chat with him a few weeks ago and he’s in good form, I can report,” smiled 2017 British and Irish Lions tourist O’Mahony.

“I’d be shocked if you asked anybody in that dressing room who’s played with Johnny if they hadn’t picked up something from him.

“It’s kind of what the game’s about, it’s learning and being diligent and picking stuff up from guys who’ve figured it out and he was certainly one of them.”

O’Mahony’s Munster team-mate Jack Crowley is set for a big night having earned the starting out-half spot following Sexton’s retirement.

While there is a great deal of pressure on the 24-year-old’s shoulders, O’Mahony believes he can handle it.

“He’s obviously grown and learned a huge amount.

“What a way to start off your career under Johnny and guys like Joey [Carbery] and Ross [Byrne].

“He had a bit to learn and he’s done that and has a bit to go as well. He knows that better than anyone and that’s the sign of a good professional.

“I’m delighted for him and I’m sure he’ll put in a huge performance. We need big players and he’s certainly one of them.”