Murray On Ireland’s Need To ‘Right Those Wrongs’

With a tally of 44 Irish caps to date, including every 6 Nations encounter from 2013 onwards, Munster scrum half Conor Murray remains a vital component of the national side and its ambitions, which at present, are fixed firmly on overcoming England at Twickenham on Saturday.

A meteoric rise since the inception of his international career saw the Muster academy graduate win inclusion in the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad immediately after his Ireland debut in a pre-tournament warm-up game against France.  Within two years the Garryowen clubman was included on the 2013 British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia where he featured in seven games, including two tests.
 
Such experience has meant the 26-year-old is well acquainted with many of those donning the red rose this weekend, however despite enjoying back-to-back 6 Nations successes in 2014 and 2015, Murray has never tasted success over England in Twickenham.
 
Back in March 2011, on the final weekend of championship action, a 24-8 drubbing at the hands of Ireland the Englishmen’s Grand Slam hopes end in tatters at the Aviva Stadium.
 
This year, with two wins from two for Eddie Jones’ men thus far – against Scotland and Italy – an Irish win in Twickenham would similarly end the ‘old enemy’s’ Grand Slam dream. 
 
The fact that this will be England’s first game at Twickenham since their pool-stage exit from Rugby World Cup 2015 only serves to heighten the sense of occasion with Murray the first to admit the immensity of this weekend’s challenge.
 
“England away especially is a huge task and there is a fear factor among players about going there.  I have never won there and there are a lot of players in the squad who have never won there, but we have come close.

“We performed well against them last year in the 6 Nations, so there is a mix of fear and quite a bit of excitement.

“You're going to have to play really, really well to have a chance of winning over there and I'm sure, if you ask any other player, it's going to be the same for them.

“It's England away, it's highlighted a bit more, there's a bit more hype about it and the players feel that too. You prepare accordingly also.”

With one draw and one defeat against Wales and France respectively, Ireland’s chances of becoming the first side to achieve a 6 Nations three-in-a-row hang on by a thread.  Nothing short of a win will do on Saturday and Murray remains confident in Ireland’s ability to achieve a result in London.
 
“It is a little bit of a weird one to have two games played and not have any wins under our belts but we are fully confident as a team and this is a huge week for us to prepare mentally and show what we can do and put in a performance.”
 
“Looking at the Welsh game, and combining it with the disappointment of France, I think we are confident. I know we’re confident. We’re just a little bit annoyed that we didn’t perform against France and we want to do something about that this weekend.
 
“And, you know, England away is a huge challenge and a great place to do that, to right those wrongs.”
 
Ireland face England at Twickenham on Saturday – KO 4.50pm – with Head Coach Joe Schmidt to name his matchday 23 at lunchtime on Thursday.