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Published 18:29 9 Feb 2023 GMT
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"Now," said an established French international, "you have Conor Murray with a pack like that, you will see a different player."Ever since he made his Test debut against Les Bleus, back in 2011, rugby supporters in France have held Murray in high regard. On trips to France for Munster and Ireland matches, supporters and opposition players speak highly of the Limerick man. Back in 2017, Midi Olympique - the rugby bible for hard-core French fans - awarded him their 'Oscar' for player of the year. This came after a season where Murray helped Ireland to victory over the All Blacks by his imperious play and by kicking a vital penalty while Johnny Sexton was getting treatment. He ended that season by being the go-to 9 for the Lions and box-kicking the Kiwis into a world of trouble. For a long time, especially under Joe Schmidt, the Munster scrumhalf was synonymous with the box-kick. As Ireland coach, Schmidt leaned hard on the kicking game and turned that option into a real attacking weapon. For a while, it seemed like Ireland's playbook was Murray's box-kicks, rolling mauls and the 'Leinster Loop'. Murray was always capable of playing a higher tempo game, and making more snipes and supporting runs himself, but he was often doing the role Schmidt specifically prescribed for him. [caption id="attachment_282483" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Conor Murray of Ireland during a Six Nations clash against France. (Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile)[/caption]
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