Murphy aims to make history
The sides have met on 17 occasions with the All Blacks winning all but one, a 10-10 draw in 1973, and Graham Henry’s men are heavy favourites to extend that sequence at Lansdowne Road tomorrow.
But a defiant Murphy said: “The fact Ireland have never beaten New Zealand is more of an incentive for us than a psychological stumbling block.
“The carrot of getting a victory against them for the first time should help us go that extra yard and put our bodies on the line. It would be tremendous if we win, it would be real history for those involved.
“It’s a huge ask though because New Zealand are the best side in the world. It’s tough finding a strategy to beat them as they don’t have too many weaknesses.
“New Zealand’s performance against Wales was very impressive. They played great rugby. We have to turn up or we’ll be beaten heavily,” he said.
“The All Blacks often seem to be cruising and the next thing you know they’ve scored a couple of tries and you’ve fallen behind. They know how to rack up the points and keep the scoreboard ticking over.”
Winger Rico Gear scored a hat-trick in Cardiff and Murphy added: “All Black wingers are dangerous because they are so quick. But the quality of ball they’re getting is one of the reasons they’re able to do so much damage.”
Gear is rested tomorrow, with Henry calling up the equally lethal Doug Howlett and Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wings.
Peerless open-side Richie McCaw captains what is on paper the weaker of the two All Black teams but Murphy reckons whoever Henry picked, Ireland would have faced an almighty challenge.
“New Zealand could play numerous other guys who aren’t on tour and still put out a very strong side,” said Murphy, who will be winning his 32nd cap.
“Graham Henry said he wanted to have until the next World Cup to build a powerful squad. He’s got that at the moment. Their strength in depth is tremendous.”
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