The Rugby Paper

Dynamic duo return to operate backline

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FOUR months of waiting are over for Munster fans who will finally get to see a half-back axis of Conor Murray and Joey Carbery orchestrat­e the backline when they welcome Castres to Thomond Park.

The return of Ireland No.9 Murray two weeks ago from a long-term neck injury has taken the Munster attack to a new level from the safe hands of his deputy Alby Mathewson.

Wingers Andrew Conway and Keith Earls have benefitted the most from Murray’s comeback, divvying up five tries between them in convincing wins over Zebre and Edinburgh in the PRO14.

Turning attention to the Champions Cup, Munster head coach Johann van Graan has been able to name a full-strength side for the visit of the reigning Top 14 champions.

Gloucester’s victory over Exeter yesterday has thrown the door open to Munster to take control of Pool 2, but van Graan knows Castres will be no pushovers despite having home advantage.

He said: “We’ve had a good look at them. They are quality opposition. You don’t become champions of the Top 14 for nothing.

“They’ve got a really good kicking game, they pin most of their opponents, and then they have a pretty good defence.

“Robert Ebersohn is a player I respect a lot. He organises their defence and we will definitely be tested. Playing the champions of another country home and away, that’s quite a big test.”

Castres’ record on their travels in the Champions Cup is far from flattering, coming away with only four wins and a draw in 40 matches.

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