Conor Murray in a good place to face massive challenges

Modesty and an acute awareness of the fickle nature of sport prevents Conor Murray from strutting around Munster’s High Performance Centre like a prize peacock.

Yet if the Ireland scrum-half walked into the room wearing a crown and riding a unicorn it would still understate the confidence coursing through his veins right now.

A strong second half of the year for Murray has hit new heights with his tour de force in the Irish victory over the All Blacks in Chicago last month. And much like the rest of Joe Schmidt’s squad, completing a full house of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in a calendar year by beating the Wallabies in the last Test of the Guinness Series 10 days ago has sent the 26-year-old back to his province with a spring in his step, his performance levels having kicked up a gear or two to new heights.