Paul O’Connell will strive for perfect finale, predicts Conor Murray

Conor Murray believes Paul O’Connell will want his career to end with a bang rather than a whimper but that might not be for another year yet.

Ireland captain O’Connell, declared fit yesterday for Munster’s crucial Guinness Pro12 clash with Ulster at Ravenhill on Saturday, is considering whether to retire or not at the end of the World Cup in October, although his contract expires at the end of next season.

Both Munster and Ireland scrum-half Murray and provincial head coach Anthony Foley, however, think it will be O’Connell’s body that will dictate his decision with his current team-mate believing the legendary second row will not want to play on if his performances are in decline.