Geordan Murphy Q&A: ‘O’Connell, O’Driscoll and D’Arcy have gone and it is about finding the guys to fill their boots’

This weekend, Geordan Murphy and Leicester travel to Thomond Park to face Munster — coached by his old team-mate Anthony Foley — before he gets down to some pressing family matters...

Geordan Murphy won 76 caps for Ireland and the Lions during a stellar playing career that came to a close two years ago. Having spent his entire senior career at Leicester, the former full-back is now in his third season as the club’s assistant backs coach.

Q: 

Geordan, you scored when Leicester became the first team to inflict a home European defeat on Munster. What are your memories of that day?

A:

That was fantastic. We needed to win at Thomond Park in our last Pool game to go through. People were saying you can’t go to Munster and win. It hadn’t been done by anyone. We were told it was a physical impossibility to go to Thomond Park and win — and that was the red rag we needed.

Q:

And is it right you gave a talk to the Leicester team this week about that day and what they can expect this weekend?

A:

Yes, it was something we talked about. The fans at Thomond are very, very vocal and it’s an intimidating atmosphere if you have never experienced anything like that. We have experienced some big games, but Thomond is special, so it is important we talked about that, how tough a place it is to go and win. Munster have a very proud home record. They lost last time out there but that doesn’t do us any favours. They will redouble their efforts.

Q:

The Munster team that day included the likes of Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara and Peter Stringer. There is an argument that today’s team doesn’t compare, do you agree with that?

A:

I don’t go along with that, no. They are a quality side. Very proud, passionate and will be licking their lips at the prospect of bringing an English team to Thomond.

This game can right a lot of wrongs in their season. They lost to Newport Gwent Dragons last week but rested quite a few. The week before, they lost to a very-spirited Connacht performance. Munster’s eyes maybe weren’t on that game, maybe they were more focussed on what is down the track. They will be up for this one.

Q:

It certainly seems in contrast to the mood at Leicester, though. You are in great form and many are crediting the arrival as coach of Aaron Mauger, the former All Black, with that turnaround.

A:

He has been huge. Brilliant for us and a really good guy. He played at Leicester for a few years, so he knows what we are all about and he brought in that freshness we probably needed. We are trying to play a little ball now and he appreciates every gameplan and is very smart, as well as a good bloke. The mood in the camp is really good.

Q:

Your old Ireland team-mate Anthony Foley is in charge of Munster now, of course.

A:

Yes. I think Ian Keatley is the only guy of the current setup I actually played with. Like any typical male I am terrible on the phone, so I don’t pick it up often but occasionally we get a text message from the guys at Munster.

Q:

Did you expect Foley to go into coaching?

A:

When you are a player you don’t think about coaching. He seemed to go into it easily. He was a hell of a player and I thought he would be a pretty good coach. He has been doing a good job.

Q:

The two of you were named in the ERC Dream Team back in 2010 as well.

A:

That’s right, blimey I didn’t remember that until you said it. He was a fantastic player. For a long time in Munster he was the man at No8 who set the tone for the quality 8s they have today.

Q:

How do you succeed in going from being a top player to a top coach?

A:

I suppose it’s a combination of everything. It is a very difficult gig and it’s certainly a lot tougher in the coaching world than the playing world. You just have to concentrate on yourself as a player, whereas as a coach you have to harness X amount of individuals into rowing in the same direction.

There is no substitute for playing though! This is the start of my third year and my first two we experienced every emotion. Last season was particularly tough. I have really enjoyed this year and am trying to keep my mouth shut, ears open and learn as much as possible.

Q:

There is a lot of talk generally about the Irish provinces being in decline. Do you think that’s right or are we looking at a generational shift after the O’Connells and O’Driscolls have moved on and retired?

A:

It is the nature of the beast. O’Connell and O’Driscoll have gone, Gordon D’Arcy too and it is about finding the guys to fill their boots. There are some fantastic rugby players in Ireland. I look at some of the guys and think Irish rugby seems spoilt for talent. It is about harnessing that and giving guys experience.

Q:

Do you think people get carried away in writing off the provinces?

A:

Very much so. When I moved to Leicester in 1997, Leinster weren’t exactly a powerhouse were they? For a few years they built a team. Malcolm O’Kelly, D’Arcy and Brian came through. When Munster were winning their Heineken Cups, Leinster weren’t a strong team. Then they matured, built a team and got the right bodies on the field to win three in four. Everyone expects that every year, but unfortunately there are peaks and troughs. Things will be great and then they will be bleak. It’s swings and roundabouts and I think it will come good again.

Q:

Finally, will the entire Murphy clan be at Thomond on Saturday?

A:

A good few. I had a little boy 12 weeks ago and we are actually going back home to Christen him on Sunday. His name’s Rex, he’s my first child. My wife is English and the Irish family will be around as well. I need to see if I can get some tickets for Thomond, that’s the tough part. Then, on Sunday, all I need to do is turn up and perform!