DFP Header Area

Share this MunsterRugby.ie page

Murray: We Need To Hit The Ground Running

6th May 2015 By Munster Rugby

Murray: We Need To Hit The Ground Running

Catching up with Conor Murray on what’s sure to be massive challenge for both sides in Belfast this weekend. The scrum-half also discusses the quality of his opposite number and what it would mean to secure a home PRO12 semi-final at Thomond Park.

Having played alongside a number of the Ulster font liners in Ireland’s recent RBS 6 Nations triumph, and having featured in the Munster side that lost 17-19 to the northern outfit in Limerick at the end of last season, few are more aware than Conor Murray of the immense test that awaits the Munstermen at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.

“We know from past results how tough it is up there. They are a side brimming with confidence and look like they are ready for the next level in play-off rugby at the end of the season. This is a great test for us, we’ve had two bonus point wins against sides that are lower down the table but we feel good about our game also and I’m really looking forward to the contest – it’s going to be really high quality, hopefully entertaining and hopefully one where we can come out on top.

“We need to hit the ground running this weekend, especially against a team like Ulster – a very confident side who really know what they are doing when they go out and play, especially up in Belfast where they seem that bit more physical and harder to break down. It’s up to us to bring our high standards to the game and match them physically if we are to have a chance of getting the result.”

This weekend will once again see Murray face-off against South African World Cup winning scrum-half Ruan Pienaar.

“The last time I played against him for Munster was the Heineken Cup quarter-final here (Thomond Park) a few years ago (2012, Ulster winning 16-22) and I don’t think I’ve started a game up in Kingspan Stadium yet. It’s always a great challenge to play against Ruan. I played against him for Ireland a couple of years ago and watching him up close he’s an impressive operator. It’s another big challenge and one that I’m looking forward to.”

Only once before have Munster managed to secure a home semi-final, when they went on to win the competition in 2010/11. Like his team-mates and Munster supporters alike, Murray relishes the opportunity of one last big day out at Thomond Park this season.

“It’s nice to be training here in Thomond Park today but every time we walk out it seems like an age since we played here. I didn’t play in the last game here against Connacht so it’s been a while since I’ve played in Thomond and I think that’s in the back of our minds, especially with the home semi-final still up for grabs. We know there’s a long way to go yet with another game after this weekend and we know the Ulster game is too big a game to take our eye off the ball.

“It would be great to secure a home semi-final, hopefully sell it out and have one last big day here this season, especially as the ground is firming up and the sun is beginning to shine.”
With no European action for Munster or Ulster in the business end of the season, the calendar of games has been relatively stop-start in nature with a number of game free weekends. This according to Murray can work both for and against teams.

“Match fitness is key and that’s probably been the most frustrating thing about not being involved in Europe, having every second weekend off. However in terms of gelling together as a squad and spending a bit more time together on the training field and getting used to each other after being away with Ireland for the eight weeks previous has been a benefit of not having games.

“I mentioned how lack of games can affect match fitness but we’ve been working hard with Aled Walters and all the S&C coaches in those weeks we’ve had off so we’re still as fit as we can be.”

Ulster v Munster, Guinness PRO12 Round 21, Saturday May 9th at Kingspan Stadium – KO 2:40pm.

Follow live updates on Twitter – @munsterrugby #UlsVMun

This game will be televised on Sky Sports.

Share

DFP – Right Column – HalfPage

Tags

DFP – Right Column – MPU

Related News

The Munster team has been named for Saturday night's URC round 13 clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park (7.35pm). Match tickets are still available from...

X