Murray gets another chance to build on promise

CONOR MURRAY gets another chance to move up Munster’s scrum-half pecking order when he partners Ronan O’Gara in tonight’s Magners League clash against Cardiff Blues at the City Stadium (7.05pm).

Murray was handed his first start against the Dragons at the start of the month and tonight lines out alongside the vastly experienced O’Gara in a side that predictably includes returning internationals Paul O’Connell, Keith Earls and Denis Leamy.

With Tomás O’Leary out injured, Munster coach Tony McGahan has decided another start is appropriate for the impressive number nine, although Peter Stringer will be on the bench and ready to bring experience to the fray if required.

McGahan said: “Conor has been a consistent member of the senior squad in training over the past 12 months because of international call-ups and injuries to our half-back position.

“He has gathered valuable training experience from the senior players which has allowed him play off the bench and start against the Dragons in our last league game.

“He impressed everyone with an enthusiastic and mature display in his first professional start and deserves to be in the mix, competing with Peter and Duncan (Williams) for game time.”

There are several changes, one of them enforced by Paul Warwick’s return to Australia on family business. The return of Felix Jones has led to Johne Murphy switching to outside centre while Earls moves to the left wing.

Up front, it’s all change in the front-row with Wian du Preez, Damien Varley and Tony Buckley combining in front of O’Connell in the second-row, while Niall Ronan returns from injury to fill the number seven shirt.

One way or another, McGahan expects a tough night at the office, noting Cardiff had ploughed a huge amount of effort into the Magners League this season and with some success.

He continued: “They made an ERC semi-final two years ago, they won the Amlin Challenge last year, looked to address their Magners League form this season and have certainly done that.

“They’re well in the mix, have a good draw and a game in hand. On their day, they can beat anyone; they play expansively and are extremely good at the breakdown with a very strong defensive component to their game. Additionally, they’re very hard to beat at home.”

Recent form is good, with Cardiff’s only slip in the last six games coming against Ulster, although Munster can better that — their last loss in the competition coming way back in November. Cardiff’s David (Dai) Young is hopeful despite his view that Munster will always pose a huge challenge.

“They are very physical, they do the basics really well and I think they have a squad that is as strong as anyone’s in the League; that’s why they are always at the top. But there is a buzz and enthusiasm around training over the new few weeks because each match is vital and it’s a game we hope to win.”

The Blues welcome back Lloyd Williams to the squad and Six Nations players John Yapp, Leigh Halfpenny, Bradley Davies, Jamie Roberts and Dan Parks all return to the squad, although they will be without the injured Sam Warburton.