Conor Murray’s Performance Against The All Blacks Just Became A Whole Lot More Impressive

Conor Murray has taken his game to a different level for Munster & Ireland in recent months.

The Limerick scrumhalf has been in excellent form for both club and country, grabbing some crucial tries, bossing some of Ireland and Munster’s most important games this season.

News broke today that Murray had been carrying a hamstring problem going into the All Blacks game, which could possibly rule him out this weekend. Should he miss the game, it will make the task of beating the All Blacks again, even more difficult than previously anticipated.

His chances of playing however are currently 60-40, so it’s no all bad, and judging by these words from Ireland kicking coach, Richie Murphy- Murray will do his all to make sure he’s on the pitch in Dublin this Saturday.

Murphy spoke today of the hamstring problem Murray was carrying and how as a result couldn’t practice any goal kicking in the build up. Murray of course nailed an all important penalty in the second-half in place of this injured Johnny Sexton despite this.

“He has been working away on his goal-kicking for a while now. He obviously hasn’t had to do it in a game but anyone who ever turns up to a game early will see him out there kicking goals. He is a very accomplished goal-kicker,” said Ireland’s skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy. 

“It was a one-off that week because he hadn’t actually kicked during the week – he was carrying a little bit of a muscle [problem]. He hadn’t actually kicked, so for him to step up and knock one over was brilliant for us.“

WATCH:
With Johnny Sexton injured, Conor Murray steps-up and kicks Ireland 11-points ahead. #NZLvIRE https://t.co/te2rYj7HZU

— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 5, 2016

We’ve all heard the stories over the years of Ireland’s past heroes such as Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll battling through injuries and pain barriers, but this latest one featuring Murray, proves that he has reached the kind of level they were held at.

Murray was Ireland’s star performer in Chicago, grabbing a brilliant solo try and nailing a that crucial penalty. He also ran the full length of the pitch to tackle Julian Savea into touch, setting up Robbie Henshaw’s all important try to seal victory. All while carrying an injury.

What a talent. He’s only going to get better.