Murphy waiting in wings for Ireland’s call

EIGHT years Geordan Murphy has been playing for Ireland. For most of that time, the Leicester full-back has been fielding the same old questions about the disparity between his form at club and international levels.

Eddie O’Sullivan names his starting XV for the opening Six Nations game of the year against Italy today and, though Murphy is expected to get a slot on the wing, it would be by default as much as anything else.

Denis Hickie has retired, Shane Horgan injured while Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald are still wet behind the ears. The fact remains that Ireland continues to see less than the best of this most naturally talented of rugby players.