Murphy to the rescue ... if needed

GEORDAN MURPHY yesterday promised to come to the rescue in the event of an injury crisis at out-half in the international clash with New Zealand at Hamilton on Saturday.

Murphy was the shock nomination to fill in for Ronan O’Gara should anything happen the first choice number ten. He got the vote from coach Eddie O’Sullivan, who believes Jeremy Staunton, the only other specialist out half in the squad, was not yet quite ready to earn his stripes.

Said Murphy: “I obviously hope it doesn’t happen, because Rog (O’Gara) is such a key member of the side, but it won’t bother me at all. I have always said that I am prepared to play anywhere in the green shirt.