Van Graan long admired Murray from afar

Conor Murray’s reputation as the leading scrum-half in the Northern Hemisphere, if not the world, will mean the Munster star can expect a lot of attention from Racing 92’s forwards in Bordeaux tomorrow but Johann van Graan says his number nine will not be fazed.

Murray’s influence on this Munster side was neatly encapsulated by his appearance off the bench in last weekend’s Guinness PRO14 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Replacing injured starting half-back James Hart in the 36th minute with van Graan’s side trailing 14-0, Murray quickly made an impact, pouncing off the back of a touchline ruck to power over for Munster’s opening try.