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Sport

17th Nov 2018

Conor Murray’s celebrations at the final whistle of the Ireland vs New Zealand game are a joy to behold

Paul Moore

Fantastic.

Two years ago, the image of Conor Murray crossing the whitewash to score against the All Blacks was one of the definitive sporting images of the year and despite the fact that the Munster star missed the Autumn internationals due to injury, the scrum-half was kicking every ball from the stands as Ireland secured a famous 16-9 win over New Zealand.

For the first time in 113 years, Ireland have beaten the All Blacks on home soil and despite the absence of a genuine world class player like Murray, Kieran Marmion proved to be a more than capable deputy for the Lions’ number 9.

It should also be noted that Luke McGrath made a significant contribution when he was introduced off the bench on the hour mark.

A neck injury ruled Murray out of the Autumn Internationals but as you can see from his celebrations, it’s clear that this Ireland team are a united bunch and that Joe Schmidt has created a real harmony in the squad.

With the Fields of Athenry being belted from the stands, a knock on proved to be the final act of a pulsating and history-making game at the Aviva. Cue euphoria.

The hoodoo is over. Ireland have beaten the best team in the world…again.

With the Six Nations approaching, the men in green have some serious momentum behind them and with players like Conor Murray to return, who knows where this team can go?

Right now, let’s just savour those magnificent scenes. We know that the Munster scrum-half certainly did!

Take a look at Murray giving it socks when Stockdale scored his try and when Wayne Barnes blew the final whistle.

Topics:

Rugby,sport