Shane Lowry called it back in December.
Conor Murray for the Lions captain? What do we think of that??? Probably one of the only guys who is guaranteed a starting spot…
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) December 26, 2016
What began as wishful thinking has now become a steepling, surging wave.
Conor Murray for Lions captain? It’s not as crazy as one might think.
What had initially been considered in private is now being spoken of aloud. Name a man in a better position right now. There are only two, possibly three, that could push him close. One of them is Rory Best.
Following Ireland’s 19-9 win over France, we raved about Murray’s try, his snipes, his box-kicks, his aggression, those grubbers in behind. His leadership and unflappability.
What many may have missed was the crucial role Murray played in keeping Ireland 10 points clear with 15 minutes on the clock. France got a chance to attack after a poor clearing kick by Simon Zebo.
Noa Nakaitaci shrugged off Zebo and got an offload away to a charging Scott Spedding. Iain Henderson was taklen out of it by the offload. CJ Stander was jogging back but he could not help. Ireland were horribly exposed.
If Murray did not get Spedding here, it was a French try. French fullback versus Irish lock [Henderson]. But Murray is not having a bit of it.
With the 22 in sight and no-one home [Zebo was fullback], Murray covered the position and made the big tackle.
Ireland turned the ball over just over a minute later when Uini Antonio was pinged for a neck roll tackle. A storm had passed.
Donncha O’Callaghan is trying not to pump the tyres of his former Munster and Ireland teammate but he can’t but rave about Murray. He told The Hard Yards rugby podcast:
“100%, Conor is the best number 9 in world rugby. You don’t even have to think about it. He is a country mile ahead too…
“I think himself and Maro Itoje are the only two who you can say are definitely going to start for the lions. They’ve put in massive performances.
“I know everyone is talking about captains for the Lions, I think they are going to find it really difficult when you struggle to pick the rest of the team. There is no-one else that is so far ahead of the rest in terms of [jersey] competition.”
Two names on the team-sheet. While you are at it, just make the guaranteed starter and on-pitch general the tour captain.
Conor Murray would be my absolute nailed on certainty as captain of the Lions were it my choice. So there. #LionsWatch
— Paul O'Brien (@WestCorkPaul) February 26, 2017
Conor Murray for Lions Captain! #IREvFRA #ENGvITA @ghook @Munsterrugby @SimonZebo @MolloyJoe @SportsJOEdotie @ballsdotie pic.twitter.com/RDHZNJOlkf
— David Morrissey (@DavidMorrissey5) February 26, 2017
Even the corner flag thinks Conor Murray should be @lionsofficial captain…
— david kelly (@dk3lly) February 25, 2017
The movement is growing…
Listen to Episode 4 of The Hard Yards rugby podcast, featuring Donncha O’Callaghan, Mike McCarthy and Johnny O’Connor.
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