Murphy out to end big week on a high
IT’S been a big week for Richie Murphy. After the conclusion of this U20 Six Nations campaign, the Ireland head coach will be heading to Belfast to take up a caretaker role with Ulster, who parted ways with Dan McFarland earlier this week. Murphy has been steadily building his CV and all indications are he could make this shortterm gig with Ulster a more permanent position. Murphy had cut his teeth as kicking coach with Leinster and then Ireland and the decision to give him the Under 20 gig proved an inspired appointment. Ireland’s next generation are currently on course for a hattrick of Grand Slams at this level — an unprecedented development — as well as a World Cup final appearance last summer. What’s more, the 20s have been playing an exhilarating brand of rugby in the process. Murphy is clearly a sharp operator and it will be fascinating to see how the former Clontarf out-half fares with Ulster. For now, he is focused on seeing this project over the line. Wales are next up for an Ireland team, which squeezed past Italy in Cork two weeks ago. Seán Edogbo was the hero of the hour with the powerful Leesider scoring a late try which proved pivotal to the outcome. The powerful Munster flanker, younger brother of current senior lock Edwin, has earned a starting spot in the backrow. A unit which is missing the sizeable presence of Brian Gleeson, but a pack still brimming with power. An all-new frontrow completes the changes. A big win in Musgrave Park would round this week off nicely for Murphy. IRELAND U20 (v Wales): B O’Connor; F Treacy, W de Klerk, H Gavin, H McLaughlin; J Murphy, O Coffey; B Howard, H Walker, P Bell; J Hopes, E O’Connell (cape); S Edogbo, B Ward, L Murphy. Reps: D Sheahan, A Usanov, J Boyd, B Corrigan, T Brigg, T Brophy, S Naughton, D Colbert. Referee: F Vedovelli (Italy).