Murray: Arnold will be a real force

Munster scrum-half Conor Murray believes the province’s centre Sam Arnold has a huge future and his link with Rory Scannell can grow into something special.

The pair combined to score a try each in the bonus-point, 36-10 victory over Ospreys at Irish Independent Park last weekend as Arnold warmed up perfectly for a taste of Champions Cup action.

Arnold (21) has scored three tries in three PRO14 games this season. He is on the comeback trail following injury, and Murray says he sees massive potential in Munster’s young centre.

“You have to remember he was playing with Ulster when he was 19 and then he came down here and had a few injuries,” said Murray.

“He was frustrated for a while because he couldn’t get a run of form because of injury and any time he has played he has been really impressive.

“When he spoke about it for the first time he was getting upset about not finding form and getting injured.

“But he is a superb athlete, even our review from the Ospreys game, he featured so much in it. He is going really well so, ability wise, there is no problem.

“That is a challenge, stepping into that cauldron, but judging by the way he is going, I don’t think it will be an issue.”

Scannell scored the bonus-point effort last weekend, and having been capped on three occasions for Ireland during the summer, Murray thinks he is the perfect foil to help aid Arnold’s development.

“Rory deserves a lot of credit there too because he is a vocal guy in our squad.

“He understands how we are trying to play and has been chatting to Sammy and trying to guide him around the place and letting him bed into the team as easy as he can,” said Murray.