Conor Murray braced for nailbiter

It matters not if it is a championship decider or a one-off match, the pressures of professional rugby are such that when the final whistle blows and victory has been secured, joy is quickly followed by relief in the mix of a player’s post-match emotional whirl. 

When the stakes are high and you have given your all in preparation. When you hear your coach saying it is a must-win game or a glance at the league table lays bare the truth in front of you, it is no wonder an ecstatic roar segueways into a heavy sigh when the objective is achieved.

That is certainly the way Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray felt 11 months ago as he sat in the Stade de France dressing room with an RBS 6 Nations winner’s medal around his neck. It is also how he has no doubt he will react this evening should referee Wayne Barnes call time with his side having beaten the French for the second year in a row.