Murphy the man to beat as King of the Road takes centre stage
No bowler in the 28-year history of the classic has performed with the same consistent excellence as Murphy. It does not mean he is invincible though — Christy Mullins showed in this year’s Munster semi-final and Conor McGuigan did likewise in last year’s All-Ireland final. But it’s going to be a huge ask for anyone to beat him.
McGuigan and German champion Robert Djuren will be trying to knock him from his pedestal in the second of Saturday’s semi-finals. McGuigan has grown in stature since his win over Murphy in last year’s All-Ireland, but even more so through the manner of his challenge to Martin Coppinger this year. Djuren is probably not as strong a challenger as Ralf Rocker but as German champion, he will be respected.
