Murphy retains belief that Tiger will become Lion for second test

GEORDAN MURPHY will believe he has a part to play in the Lions squad for the second test this weekend right up until head coach Clive Woodward names his 22 in Wellington tomorrow.

Murphy, who cemented his place in the Leicester Tigers set-up yesterday by signing a new three-year contract, was set to stake his claim for a test spot against the All Blacks on Saturday with a starting role at full-back against the Manawatu province in Palmerston North.

After good performances on the tour to date, the 27-year-old was considered unlucky to lose out on a place in the first test 22 as Jason Robinson was given the nod at full-back in Christchurch last Saturday. Robinson found himself demoted to the midweek side this morning, playing alongside Murphy the man who could take his place.

Yet the Irishman admitted he had been disappointed to be named in the midweek team again, until Woodward convinced the squad that places were still up for grabs going into this game.

“I was a little bit (disappointed),” Murphy said, “but not so much in that after the game on Saturday when there was so much disappointment and everyone’s heads were down, Clive said certain players would have to double up again this week and that there was more of a chance if you were involved this Tuesday that you would be involved on the weekend. So really it’s a positive and you have to take it that way; when you have the opportunity you have to take it.”

Murphy said he hadn’t taken selection for this morning’s match as a snub, as had been the case last week in Invercargill, when Woodward made it clear that no one in the squad to face Southland would feature in the first test.

“The previous week it was obviously a little bit clearer in that he sort of named the squad for the test a little bit earlier. This time he’s said up until Wednesday everyone is in with a shot.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity.”

Midweek selection also affords Murphy and his team-mates another chance to work with coach Ian McGeechan.

“He’s been tremendous and it’s been a pleasure to be coached by a legend like Ian McGeechan. He’s got great ideas after all these years. He’s very hands on, relaxed and he’s seen everything, been there and done it. He’s got a huge amount of knowledge and he’s got a tremendous reputation as a player. He makes some tremendous speeches.”

Murphy needs little convincing he still has a chance.

“We’ve been told along that it’s not set in stone but it’s one of those things - you can’t really worry about it. Every time you go out in a Lions shirt, or any shirt for that matter, a player’s aim is to do well for that team, not to do well individually. You’d end up messing things up for everyone, including yourself, if you did that.

“So the important thing is to do the right thing for the team, get the win and don’t let the side or anyone watching down.”