Murphy believes ireland can do
it
 By DAVID THORPE
What a week in the Six Nations. Ireland’s win and Scotland’s
defeat of England suddenly means that the championship — which began
with many Irish fans hoping merely to avoid humiliation — could
yet be won by the Boys in Green.
Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy rediscovered his best form agianst Wales
and when speaking afterwards was in high spirits and optimistic about
Ireland’s prospects for the rest of the tournament.
He said: “This win is a tremendous confidence boost for everyone
in the camp. We have always felt that Ireland have as strong a bunch of
players as any team in Europe and we proved that on Sunday.
“What was most pleasing is that every part of the team did their
job well. We all know what the backs can do but the pack were outstanding
against Wales and maybe answered a few of their critics.
“Personally, I was happy with my performance. I have played better
but I think a lot of stuff worked for myself and the team against Wales
that didn’t in previous games.
“That is how quickly a season can change — a few moves that
go right or wrong causes players and teams to be praised or condemned.
“It was a strange game to play in. The first few minutes were scrappy
—we played disjointedly and at one stage I thought we were never
going to get over for the try but once we got the first one it never felt
like Ireland would lose the game.
“This must be a great Six Nations for the fans to watch. All of
the matches have been close and there are no dud teams.
“I said before the Wales game that the Triple Crown was on for Ireland
and it definitely is now. Roll on the Scotland game because the way we
are today we are afraid of no-one.”
The Scotland match — perhaps viewed at the start of the season as
a get-out of jail card to avoid tournament humiliation — is now
massive for the future of Irish rugby.
Defeat would put Ireland’s performances against the tournament’s
weakest teams in perspective — showing us our place in the pecking
order of European rugby.
A win sets up a Triple Crown decider with England on March 18 and after
the Wales performance few will doubt the Boys in Green for the rest of
this championship.
|
