Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton key to Ireland's success against Wales, says Peter Stringer

Sport360 staff 19:40 23/02/2018
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  • Legendary scrumhalf Peter Stringer says the key to Ireland’s success against Wales on Saturday, and to going on to win the Six Nations, lies with their world class scrum-half and fly-half duo – Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton.

    Stringer who knows something about No9 play, being capped 98 times for Ireland, rates Murray as “an extremely talented guy and in the last couple of years he’s done unbelievably well for Munster, Ireland and the Lions.”

    However the 40-year-old doesn’t see many similarities between himself and the current bearer of the No9 green jersey.

    “We’re completely different players,” he says.

    “My game was about really high tempo, as quick as I could, and really put a pace on the game.

    “You see with Conor and the way he plays – a very composed scrum half, particularly with Ireland and the structure (coach) Joe Schmidt has put in place.

    “His two key guys are No9 and No10 and I think with the two players that are there it fits their game plan very well.

    “I think the way Conor controls the game and puts the structure on it with his kicking game is extremely good.”

    The former Munster star says Murray looks composed even “when the team at times are on the rack.”

    Jonathan Sexton 1

    “He knows what to do to settle things down.

    “And he has the ability to score tries as well.

    “He’s done unbelievably well and obviously is a key player for Ireland in the Six Nations going forward if they are to win a grand slam.

    “He’s certainly one of the guys who needs to perform and he’s been doing that so far.”

    Stringer says Ireland coach Schmidt knows exactly how to bring the best out of Murray and Sexton.

    “I’ve been watching Ireland for the last number of years and particularly under Schmidt they’re a very very structured team, very composed under pressure,” he explains.

    “And they’re a team that have been winning some big games and consistently putting in good performances.

    “You trust those guys when you go through those routines in training during the week and it’s a matter of holding on to the ball.”

    There was no better example of Ireland’s current composure, and courage, than the final thrilling moments in Paris against France in the first week of this year’s Six Nations, when Sexton’s after the siren field goal clinched a crucial victory.

    “Those moments when the forwards are carrying in tight quarters its low risk rugby,” says Stringer, “but then for Johnny to come up with that cross field kick when Ireland weren’t getting that kind of gain line advantage in getting into the French territory – that was a very very brave call.

    “Kicking the ball away when you have possession and you need to get some points to win the game.

    “Incredibly brave by the team, good discipline – not to give away any penalties, not to give away any knock on.

    “Just good control at the break down and ultimately at the end its down to Johnny to make the drop goal from quite a difficult position on the field, quite far out.

    “He’s a guy whose so well experienced.

    “He’s been in that situation before but he just struck it tremendously well and it was fantastic to see it go over.”

    That experience is sure to help Ireland again today to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.

    If you want to hear Peter’s expert thoughts before the Ireland-Wales match then head down to McGettigan’s JLT on Saturday afternoon.

    Entry is free and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening from 15:00, a Q&A with Stringer commencing at 16:00 and the match kicking off at 18:15.

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