Conor Murray jokes about the messages he usually gets after big matches

To see Conor Murray in full flow, and at his best, is to see an Irish player truly in that 'world-class' category.

The Munster and Ireland scrum-half went into the Lions Tour to New Zealand had enjoyed an almighty duel with the All Blacks, and opposite number Aaron Smith. The series could not divide the two sides but, in our opinion, Murray edged the damned good Smith to prove he is at the peak of his powers. He enjoyed a delayed pre-season and returned for Munster, in late September, against Cardiff. Immediately, he was dictating the tempo, making line breaks and marshalling his forwards about the park. He enters the November internationals in top form. Fitness allowing, he should surpass 100 Ireland caps by the time he calls it a day and there is likely to be another Lions Tour in between. Staying grounded while everyone around you [including ourselves] gets carried away can't be easy. However, as evidenced in the excellent 'Who We Are Is How We Play' campaign, Murray has some great support from family and friends. Murray joined The Hard Yards to discuss his recent exploits [from 26:00 below] and joked about how his close friends do not let him away with much. Murray recalls the very first message he received after helping Munster to a hard-fought victory over Racing 92. He says:

"Even though we had a great win, I had a text straight away from one of my mates - 'What about that box-kick you kicked out on the full?' - Straight away to the negative!  "I think that's really important, though. Especially in Munster as well. We slag each other about anything and everything, and there's no fear of anyone getting carried away with themselves. It's an open platform to slag. "We compliment each other now and then, when we do something good, but, more often than not, it's slagging. so I'm well used to that."

It is often those closest to us that can say the words that cut you right to the core. For many professional sports people used to getting most things their way, it is good to know that they have friends, family and teammates keeping them in check. https://youtu.be/ENM7OPhy1sE For more on Murray, the full interview on the podcast is definitely worth a listen.