ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

LIONS WATCH: Conor Murray in driving spot for No 9 shirt

BY shay39  ·  Sunday Jun 11, 2017

Owen Farrell was voted man of the match by the Sky Sports poll after his flawless kicking display against the Crusaders on Saturday, but his half back partner, Conor Murray deserves recognition for his all-round performance.

This was Murray’s first match of the tour and his impressive kicking range stopped the Crusaders from playing their reliable structure which has made them so impressive this season.

Murray’s box kick accuracy made it easy for the Lions to clear effectively from inside their own 22-metre line and pin back the Crusaders when the Lions were on the front foot.

As well as controlling the tempo of the match with his kicking game, Murray made nine tackles which is more than any of the Lions starting backline, and he was also the only member of the same backline to produce a successful offload.

Murray outplayed his opposite number Bryn Hall in relation to the number of passes, tackles, carries, and meters made.

It could be argued, therefore that Lions coach Warren Gatland has already chosen his half back combination of Murray and Farrell, especially given the fact that Rhys Webb will partner up with fellow Welshman Dan Biggar against the Highlanders on Tuesday.

This suggests that Gatland has segregated the squad into two combinations, and it would be fair to assume that the backline that triumphed against the Crusaders will be the test line-up.

So despite Murray not earning a spot on the bench in the next match against the Highlanders, the Munster man is in prime spot to earn his third test match shirt.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 375 WEEKS AGO

    The 2017 Lions tour documentary looks epic...

  • 383 WEEKS AGO

    The Impact of British and Irish Lions Tours...

  • 384 WEEKS AGO

    Jordie Barrett's casual booming dropgoal...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All