Murray cements status as best scrum-half in the world

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  • Conor Murray.

    With Ireland four points ahead in the dying stages of Saturday night’s game, Julian Savea collected possession on his own line as New Zealand went in search of a late, match-winning try.

    Savea is the most dangerous winger in world rugby and his record of 45 tries in 50 games is scary reading for any opponent.

    As he attempted to initiate an attack, Ireland players drove in en masse with Conor Murray forcing Savea out of play.

    The tackle – one of eight Murray completed with none missed – would prove to be one of the pivotal moments in the encounter, as Ireland dotted over to score from the ensuing five-metre scrum.

    The Munster scrum-half is central to coach Joe Schmidt’s strategic vision and is now Ireland’s most important player. He makes everything tick; from his box kicking, crisp passing, decision making and to the way he marshalls his pack around ruck time.

    In the post-Paul O’Connell era, Ireland are still searching for on-field leadership but Murray has shown he can fill some of that void with his unfallible decision-making and ability to act as a ninth forward, with his physicality and voracious work rate ensuring team-mates follow his lead.

    His ability to snipe is invaluable,  with opposite number Aaron Smith the victim of a clever dummy in the first period, which saw Murray skip in unopposed for a try.

    Smith is considered the premier No9 in the world but could only watch as Murray dominated him across the 80 minutes.

    Ireland, with a commanding 22-8 lead at half-time, continued to gather momentum and a driving maul five metres out from the All Blacks line saw Murray move the ball at pace to Johnny Sexton who sent Simon Zebo into the corner for their fourth try.

    It’s never good to start celebrating early, especially against the world champions, and two converted tries in quick succession through TJ Perenara and Ben Smith cut the deficit to eight. Were Ireland in for a repeat of 2013?

    Schmidt’s men needed a score to settle the nerves and they were duly awarded a penalty in front of the posts on 59 minutes after some industrious defensive work. With Sexton unable to take the kick due to an earlier knock, Murray stepped up to nail the penalty and extend the score-line.

    Aside from his intelligent running and passing, the 27-year-old’s ability to step into the kicking duties like this illustrates another weapon in his armoury.

    He keeps teams guessing at every opportunity and is a model of consistency to the players around him.

    A lot of this is down to the experience of playing big games and the trust Schmidt has instilled in him during many heavy defeats down through the years. During the 2014 Six Nations, he was criticised for his slow distribution to Sexton, but hard work on his passing speed has seen him evolve into one of the best players in the world.

    Against New Zealand, Murray’s ability to produce magic from any attack was a constant source of inspiration. He was the perfect link between forwards and backs and exactly what Schmidt needs to keep the pressure on such heavyweight opposition.

    The historic victory has certainly bolstered confidence and morale, but the focus immediately shifts to the second Test in Dublin in a fortnight. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: Murray will be at the centre of everything for the Men in Green.

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