Supersub Murray swings it Munster’s direction

MUNSTER coach Johann van Graan said it was another huge team effort as the province left South Africa with nine points from their two games there.

Ireland Grand Slam winner Conor Murray was the hero as they came came from 14-0 down to win.

“Conor played a very good game. We didn’t plan to put him on that early. He did pretty well with that kick, and his general kicking game and organisation, it was really good,” said van Graan.

“But all credit to the 15 guys starting and the eight guys on the bench. This was a real team effort.”

Murray scored a crucial first half try as Munster trailed 17-7 at the interval, and also scored the winning penalty in the 66th minute.

Munster began their South African tour with a 39-22 defeat of Southern Kings but this was always going to be a closer game, at altitude on the Highveld.

Cheetahs had lost only to Glasgow at home, and began well with tries from Clayton Blommetjies and Tian Meyer.

However Murray scored a try 30 seconds after his arrival on the field, and after JJ Hanrahan kicked the rest of the points, Murray stepped up to secure the win with a huge penalty from 51 metres on the angle.

This win was the perfect preparation for Munster ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final against Racing 92, while they also secured a home quarterfinal in the league.