Murray only thinking of 'the next biggest challenge' Scotland

NEXT CHALLENGE: Conor Murray not thinking too far ahead, just at next challenge. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Conor Murray believes Ireland’s consistency in backing up victory after victory will stand them in good stead for their World Cup Pool B finale against Scotland in Paris this Saturday.

Ireland need to follow up their hard-fought 13-8 win over defending champions South Africa with a success over their Six Nations rivals at Stade de France on Saturday night if they are to be sure of progressing into the quarter-finals as pool victors.

Murray, at his fourth World Cup, remembers only too well the failures of the past, when pool wins over Australia in 2011 and France in 2015 were followed by quarter-final exits but the 34-year-old scrum-half, who could earn his 111th Ireland cap this weekend, believes the current team’s 16-Test winning streak is an indication of a new-found mentality not to settle for one-off highlights.

Ireland have notched back-to-back and series-clinching Tests in New Zealand since their last defeat in the opening game against the All Blacks at Eden Park 15 months ago and have since completed the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam.

"A good few years ago we'd get a good one-off win and then, the next week, whether it's November or whatever, we'd drop off performance-wise,” Murray said.

"We addressed it back then, about being consistent and nowadays this team is really good at flipping the page and focusing on what’s next.

"It's about being next moment, people are talking about what's down the line, knockout rugby and all that but genuinely within our four walls it's all about Scotland.

"That’s the next biggest challenge for us. We have a plan of where we want to go, but it's about doing the right thing now.

"That's been one of our strengths over the last few seasons, backing up performances, because years ago it used to be an issue but nowadays I think we're a better side on top of that and mentally we're better equipped to go back to back in games."

Murray believes having a match-free weekend just gone has helped refresh minds following a mentally and physically taxing arm wrestle with the Springboks at Stade de France nine days ago. Andy Farrell gave his players three days off following their victory but now minds are fully focused on the Scotland game, the Munster hero said.

"It's good to get a week's break, especially after something that intense. Now, if we’d had a game this weekend I'd fully expect us to prepare, recover and get ready for it.

"Maybe the size of that game, how much it took out of you emotionally. When we got back to the hotel on Saturday night, everyone was spent from the game and the emotion of it all.

"So, maybe it's good timing to freshen up, turn that page, review the game and look at Scotland.

"They've a huge amount to play for next Saturday and we've got to be ready for them, as much as we were for South Africa."

Having a few extra days on the training field leading into the Scottish match week has also been beneficial, Murray added.

"The longer you get to look at the opposition, scout them, and prepare your team and iron out a couple of things that didn't go quite according to plan against South Africa can only benefit you.

"Outside of that, the coaches know how much is too much and they've got a really good balance between when to work you hard or give us a few easier sessions.

"This week was about review, reset and look at Scotland. We'd an intense session (on Saturday), day off now and feel fresh going into next week."

It promises to be an extra special week for Murray’s friend and provincial captain Peter O’Mahony, who is line to earn his 100th Ireland cap at Stade de France this Saturday, if selected.

“Yeah, all going well,” the scrum-half and Test centurion said. “I've been around with Pete since Munster Under-16s , so I know Peter a very long time.

“We shared the club journey and the international journey pretty much side by side. We have a lot of the same experiences. It'll be great to get to that milestone and it's a huge day for himself and his family and everyone that's worked with him the whole way up. Hopefully it all goes to plan, because it's a very special club.”