Murray On Making History

Starting at scrum half for Ireland against South Africa in Johannesburg tomorrow, Munster scrum half hopes he and his Irish teammates can add to the history already created in this season’s Summer Series.

Marshalling Ireland around the park alongside his half back partner Paddy Jackson last Saturday, Murray also crossed for a second half try as Ireland recorded their first win away to South Africa.
 
“Last week was an unbelievable achievement.  That 30 minutes after the game in the dressing room was a pretty special environment.  We had been talking about making history before coming on tour and to do it was fantastic.  I suppose we get a little bit greedy now and want to create more history.”
 
With just 6 wins in 23 encounters against the Springboks since the teams first met way back in 1906, a first ever Series win over South Africa would mark a significant milestone for Irish rugby, even more so if they were to do it in the Springboks own back yard.
 
“It hasn’t been mentioned that much in training this week but we know it’s there for the taking.  We want to improve this week in training, get better and hopefully put in a performance like last weekend and a bit more with it.”
 
In naming his side for tomorrow’s second Test, the first time Ireland will play at Ellis Park, Head Coach Joe Schmidt made five personnel changes to the starting XV with Quinn Roux (Connacht) and replacements Tiernan O’Halloran (Connacht) and Sean Reidy (Ulster) in line to win their first Irish caps.
 
“Those lads have been training with us for a while now and have been putting their hands up and impressing in training.  That youth and excitement is great to have and everyone is looking forward to the game and the challenge that awaits. 
 
“There’s excitement and pressure for them to perform.  That’s the kind of environment we have, pressure comes from both the public and ourselves and it’s a good environment to be in.”
 
Tomorrow’s game kick off at 4pm (Irish) with live coverage on Sky Sports.