Murphy: nothing compares to captaincy honour

THERE will be no caps handed out at the end, irrespective of how Ireland fare.

But for Geordan Murphy, Friday night’s daunting date with the Maori in Rotorua will be one of the most memorable games of his international career, even before a ball is kicked.

The Leicester Tigers full back will captain Ireland for the first time and admitted yesterday it is an achievement on a par with anything he has done in the game – and he has packed a lot into his 13 years as a professional.

“It’s a huge honour, a massive one. It’s one I didn’t expect but I can’t imagine anything that would compare,” said 32-year-old Murphy. “Obviously playing for Ireland is fantastic and leading them out will be amazing.

“It’s a very special occasion on the weekend. We’re fully aware of the Maori heritage and it’s obviously 100 years since the team got together and they’re a fantastic side. When I was a young player I would always watch the Maoris play and admire the way they throw the ball around.”

After Rob Kearney’s patchy performance in New Plymouth, there may also be a place against the Wallabies up for grabs. Murphy played the majority of the Six Nations this season and has designs on reclaiming the No. 15 shirt.

“There’s a few opportunities for guys who haven’t had a run or maybe don’t have as many caps as others. You know everyone starts somewhere,” he added. “Everyone needs those opportunities to put in a good performance and at the end of the day we’re pulling on Ireland jerseys. You need no more incentive. Everyone will be up for it. We’ve touched on how passionate the Maori guys will be. It’s up to us to bring a little bit of Irishness to it as well.”

Murphy for one will be ready to face the Maori’s own unique pre-match ritual. The 67-time capped back can perform the Haka himself, having learned it in his time in New Zealand – he spent a year here on an exchange programme between Newbridge College and Auckland Grammar.

“I have actually (performed one). When we were in school here and we were a little bit younger they teach the kids a Haka and you have Haka practice and bits and pieces. So yeah I have been on the other side of it before,” he laughed. “And I’ve faced it a few times. I’ve had the honour of playing with some quality All Blacks and I’ve seen it first hand and it’s a magnificent thing. I think we’ll face it the same way Irish teams have always faced it.

“We’ll line up on the halfway line and we’ll respect it and enjoy it. It’s a great rugby tradition. Some people get too hung up on it but it’s a great rugby spectacle and the fans enjoy it.”