Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DIVIDE & CONQUER
We’re going our separate ways but I’d be up for the challenge of beating Rassie’s South Africa
CONOR MURRAY admits it would be intriguing to go up against Rassie Erasmus next week.
Erasmus revealed at the start of the week that Friday’s Pro14 clash with the Dragons could be his last in charge of Munster.
He was expected to stay and guide Johann van Graan through a transitional period, potentially to the end of December.
Instead, he could be at the helm when South Africa face Ireland on Saturday week.
“Whether Rassie will be involved or not remains to be seen,” said Murray, who was named the Guinness Rugby Writers’ Player of the Year last night.
“The Springboks are going well, they had a few really good performances in the Rugby Championship and they’re a big side.
“I don’t know what his (Erasmus) story is, no one really knows. That was potentially our last game with Rassie and Jacques (Nienaber), against Connacht.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan but they’ve another game this weekend before there’s a break.
“Whether they head away then or stay around and there’s a kind of a transition period, I’m not too sure.
“But it would be interesting to go was named up against him.
“Fiji are coming, there’s Argentina at the end and the World Cup thing as well... there’s plenty of motivation.”
That defeat to the Pumas in the quarterfinals in
Cardiff two years ago still eats away at the Reds scrumhalf.
“Hated it,” Murray said. “It was just such an opportunity and for us not to get it right...
“When that week comes around, I don’t know if it’ll be mentioned but it’ll be in my head anyway.
“It’s still something that definitely irks me.
“There’s plenty of points to prove and a lot of new faces.
“It’s just got a new feeling to it – albeit with a core group of experienced players – which is exciting.
“Watching those younger guys play, they’re shining.
“So it’s all hands to the wheel and we’ve got to work hard and have a good crack off it.”
The Bristol flanker stepped up to the plate to captain Ireland in the World Cup after regular skipper Niamh Briggs was ruled out with a late injury.
went to who showed remarkable resilience, and determination following the loss of Anthony Foley, to reach a Champions Cup semi-final and a Pro12 final.
awarded to a person who has made a significant contribution to rugby in Ireland was awarded to
He spent five years from 2012 to 2016 as manager to the Irish men’s team.
was inducted into The Ulster man won 11 caps for Ireland and scored five tries during his international career.
He was forced to retire prematurely when he suffered a serious knee injury touring with the Lions to South Africa in 1980.