ARMSTRONG: Murray’s a marked man
SCOTLAND legend Gary Armstrong says Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray will have to learn to accept that opposition players may single him out for close attention – and he should consider it a mark of respect.
Many believe Murray was unfairly targeted by Glasgow during Munster’s recent Champions Cup tie at Scotstoun, with accusations made that the Scots had deliberately aimed tackles at the Irishman’s standing leg as he kicked.
But ahead of today’s Six Nations opener with Ireland at Murrayfield, Armstrong, a Grand Slam winner with Scotland in 1990, says Murray’s levels of performance in key games means he had better get used to it.
“To be honest, I didn’t think there was anything particularly nasty from the Glasgow boys, or illegal. But now everyone knows how to noise Murray up and get under his skin,” said the former British & Irish Lion.
“He is playing well, and if the opposition thinks that you are the guy who could have the biggest influence on the game, then they will come looking for you. It is the nature of the game.”
However, Armstrong says Scotland can’t afford to overstep the mark. “With certain individuals crying foul regarding Murray, all it has done has shone the spotlight on anyone who might get close to him. Could the officials be influenced? I don’t know.”