CONFIDENT Murray insists Sarries defeat lifts everyone

Leicester Tigers v Munster Pool 4, tomorrow 5.30pm

CONOR MURRAY believes the heavy defeat for Saracens this week will give added impetus to Munster and the other provinces in their bid for European glory.

The Reds are in action at Welford Road tomorrow as they look to dispatch Leicester Tigers to their first ever back-to-back December losses in Champions Cup history. After their resounding 33-10 Thomond Park victory last Saturday (left), another win would really put Munster in control of their pool.

But Murray admits that Munster are thinking bigger after making the semi-finals last year, especially after holders Sarries – tournament winners in 2016 and 2017 – were well beaten 46-14 at home by Clermont Auvergne in a hastily re-arranged tie on Monday.

“Yeah, I’d be lying with you if I didn’t agree because they’ve been so strong in the last few years,” said the 28-year-old. “In the semi-final last year against Sarries we were close, we gave ourselves a good chance but ultimately they were just a better team.

“They were probably more of a well oiled machine at that stage but we’re still building and becoming a better oiled machine.

“Hopefully this weekend will go well and then hopefully beyond that, yeah, it might open the door a small bit.

“It’s exciting for European rugby, it’s really competitive. The provinces here are doing well in Europe and you’d expect will be knocking on the door for knockout rugby. The carrot is there for everyone, every year. It’s a massive weekend for us.”

Interestingly, when asked for the biggest tournament threats this year, Murray mentioned three crack French clubs – Clermont, Toulon and La Rochelle.

“It’s no different to any other year but the Saracens thing will probably push on a few teams as well,” he said.

All seven English teams in European action last weekend suffered defeats so a reaction is expected across the board.

Murray himself brings up the Tigers’ history of never having lost both European games in December and knows it will be difficult for the province to go back-to-back.

“They’ll be hurting,” said Murray. “Whenever we lose you can sense it off our fans that they want a big performance. It’s going to be a hot-bed but a massive opportunity.

“They’ve fantastic players who have clicked at times this season, they’ve massive threats, and they’re going to attack this week.”