The experienced scrum-half played a starring role in Munster’s Round 3 win over Saracens
When it comes to big European nights, Thomond Park is like a museum of moments, and Conor Murray can tell you all about it. Last weekend was a throwback to yesteryear, when the “Heineken Cup” took main event billing, and travelling English sides were consistently sent packing with their tails between their legs.
Saracens’ fourth visit to Limerick resulted in a fourth loss, and you’d be foolish to think they aren’t left shaken by the ground’s aura. For all Mark McCall has achieved, he has never won here. In both 2014 and 2019, the English club rolled in with major aspirations, only to be shut out. That mystique is still relevant and will be a motivating factor for Munster this weekend, as they know a win will secure at least 1 home knockout game.
Having starred on Lions tours and World Cups, Conor Murray knows the power of the ground. Now 35, Murray is a father and husband first, rugby player second and businessman third. Like all good businessmen, he understands the significance of relationships. Speaking this week, the Garryowen club man felt like last Saturday was the perfect return to club action.
“For me personally, coming back and being able to play in a game like that in your first European game is really special. Having played a number of European games, that was a proper one.”
It had that feeling from the off, that “proper European night in Thomond” as Murray later called it. The atmosphere is unquantifiable and intangible, but when you hear the visceral roars after John Hodnett’s try, you cannot rule it out either. Murray spoke directly about that ‘16th man’ and their impact.
“At times during the game the crowd really lifted us and dragged us and got a bit more energy out of us.” “Especially in that second half, the crowd got behind us. The Fields of Athenry and in the second half Zombie being sung when the stadium was dark and the lights show was on.” Murray attributes all of this to Munster, as they have done countless times before, coming out on the right side against a quality opponent.
Having gotten over the line against one English foe, attention now turns to another. Premiership champions Northampton Saints sit 6th in the 10 team league as it stands, but first in pool 3 of Europe. For Munster, that’s all they will care about. Saints’ costly slip up in Paris has given everyone a singular focus: win and in. Pure cinema!
Perhaps those old teams would focus on the potential for a home Round of 16 tie, but the Ireland centurion was quick to remind this writer that it’s a factor but not the theme of the week.
“It’s probably been mentioned once or twice, but it’s not a big focus point. It doesn’t really need to be said, I think all the players and everyone involved knows a home knockout game is completely different, it’s really, really special”.
Murray is expected to team up with Ireland next week, and from past experience, he knows he would prefer to head to Carton House with the comfort of a home knockout secured while he is away. This drives him on.
“It would be class, it’s definitely a motivating factor. It’s been mentioned in passing once or twice but the focus is on how we actually go about this and win this game and beat a top quality side away from home.”
“Whatever comes after that, we will enjoy it if it happens that way”.
Of course, these two sides are well accustomed to one another at this stage. Northampton won both meetings last season, including a knockout tie on home soil. Former Saints boss Chris Boyd is now with Munster on an interim basis, but Conor Murray assured any English readers that the Kiwi wasn’t giving too much away.
“He has obviously coached Northampton before but he’s not overdoing it with the information, but he’s giving us little nuggets of information.”
Saturday’s clash has all the hallmarks of a traditional European tête-à-tête, where the winner takes it all. Munster have the experience and the belief, but Saints have no reason to fear their visitors. Off the field this one could feel like last spring, when the away support was the talk of the town. Franklin’s Gardens was akin to a rose bush with all the red jerseys, and if Munster are to secure that vital win on Saturday, once again the travelling contingent will need to play a large part.