IRELAND SCRUM-HALF CONOR Murray yesterday moved to underline the freedom of expression Ireland players still have in the international arena.
While Ireland have equaled a long-standing winning streak of 10 games, Joe Schmidt’s side have continually come in for criticism for the brand of rugby they play and for their strict adherence to a winning gameplan.
With Murray still feeling the effects of the win over England in his muscles – a game he says was the toughest international he’s played since, well, since the last time he played England – the Limerick man insists that Schmidt allows plenty of scope for playmakers to break out of the framework.
“Joe does not stop you from backing yourself. If you see something on, you go for it, that’s absolutely fair enough. But if it doesn’t work out and you put the team under pressure, then you might find yourself talked to,” the MaxiNutrition ambassador says after cramming some sustenance in between a light promotional gym session and the real work that would follow to prep his body for a return to Ireland training tomorrow.
Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
“To a certain extent [there are orders to follow] but you don’t go out on the pitch as a robot and just do exactly what you’re told to do. You do have a gameplan and, under any coach, there’s a gameplan that you try and follow it as best you can.
“Look through the video and there’s times we go against the grain of play or do our own thing. If you see the little kick for Robbie: people do back themselves and express themselves if they want to. You can do that within a gameplan as well.”
There will be plenty more discussion around Ireland’s style in the lead up to the next vital Championship clash against Wales on March 13. With Shaun Edwards and Warren Gatland at the helm, the principality certainly won’t be shy about airing a view on the kick-chase tactic that Ireland have used effectively to put themselves within reach of a second consecutive Six Nations title. Ireland, though, won’t be deterred.