Conor Murray backs British and Irish Lions duo to make big impact for Ireland ‘sooner rather than later’
Conor Murray backs British and Irish Lions duo/pair to make big impact for Ireland 'sooner rather than later'
Former Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray has claimed that the national team needs to evolve following the success of the British and Irish Lions tour.
The touring squad beat the Wallabies 2-1 on Australian soil this summer, as they won their first tour since 2013, when they also famously beat the Aussies.
Besides the perceived diminished strength of the Wallabies side compared to 12 years ago, the key difference between the two tours was the origin of those involved.
We’re not talking about the hotly debated topic of players qualifying for the Lions on residential grounds. We’re talking about the overwhelming majority of Irish players in the squad compared to the Welsh-dominated squad of 12 years ago.
In 2013, the Lions squad, led by Warren Gatland, was filled to the brim with stars such as Mike Phillips, Jonathan Davies, Toby Faletau, Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny and many, many more. This year, it was the Irish contingents that ruled Andy Farrell’s squad, with only the one Welsh representative remaining at the end of the tour.
Despite being proud of his former teammates for making up the majority of the squad, Murray has expressed concern that the sprinkling of English, Scottish and Welsh stars will now have a better idea about Ireland and Farrell’s tactics.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Murray claimed that this will allow the other countries to prepare better against Ireland moving forward, saying: “The only way the Lions can work is when every player and coach, from the four countries involved, are open to sharing ideas. The Scots and English return home with precise details about how an Andy Farrell team will attack and defend.”
As a result, the 36-year-old has called on the Ireland team to evolve, not just tactically, but by bringing in fresh faces.
The future Irish stars
Murray highlighted two future stars who had barely broken through the club scene before being called up to the Lions.
“The players who benefited the most, from an Irish perspective, are Jamie Osborne and Tom Clarkson,” Murray said.
“Neither made the match-day squad when Northampton beat Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final last May.
“Two months later they are Lions. Osbourne is a natural footballer who excels at fullback or centre. There are serious players ahead of him, like Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw, but I suspect Osborne will find a way into the Ireland team sooner rather than later.
“Same goes for Clarkson.”
The next Ireland number nine
It’s not just Lions players that will be making their way into the Ireland starting team. The Munster man believes that, although Jamison Gibson-Park will keep his spot until at least 2027, there are plenty of young stars hot on his heels for the number nine shirt.
“Craig Casey and others will challenge him for the nine jersey. Casey captained Ireland this summer; he won’t take his foot off the gas. Ben Murphy had an unbelievable season for Connacht. Fintan Gunne, the Leinster young fella, looks fairly decent. Nathan Doak in Ulster too. Paddy Patterson, with more opportunities, can show how much of a threat he is around the ruck. Paddy’s quick, and so agile.
“My suspicion is that a 16- or 17-year-old from a hurling area or one of the Leinster schools will burst through in the next few years. We don’t know his name yet, but this Lions tour has inspired him to become a professional. To improve his weaker side. To head into the back field by himself to perfect box kicks until it’s too dark to see the ball.”