WHEN the final whistle blew on their World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand last October, one of Ireland’s half-backs on the pitch knew his career was over.
The other wondered if it might be the case for him as well.
That tournament had long been flagged as Johnny Sexton’s farewell tour, the No 10 bidding to land the one honour which had escaped him during his career.
But the 28-24 defeat served as a reminder that, for all someone might have achieved, few get to choose how they exit stage left.
Conor Murray pondered whether it might be as good a time as any for him to go as well, given he would have to match Sexton’s feat of playing in a World Cup aged 38 for the 2027 edition in Australia.
He explained: “In the dressing room after the New Zealand game, I was thinking it, definitely. I won’t lie. ‘Is this the time?’”
It was the fourth successive World Cup in which Murray had suffered defeat at the last-eight stage but this was the most crushing.
He said: “It was nothing to do with my body. I felt great. It was just heartbreak from that game. We thought we could win and then who knows after that?
“We had put so much effort into it, with the Grand Slam and the pre-season and the build-up and the hype of the World Cup and the support and then it just stopped.
“Even going back to 2011, I didn’t think, ‘Oh, I will have another one’. I don’t think that’s how the mind works as a sportsperson.
“This one was probably like, will you make another one? Maybe. Maybe not. That’s why it hurt probably a bit more.
“I love all the training side of things. It was the mental side of things. Even at the beginning, when you come back with Munster, it was still hard, lingering. It took a while to wear off and then eventually, you’re back to what you love doing. You realise that you love playing rugby and you go for the next goal.
“It took a little bit of time but that was understandable, that one.
“You feel how well you’re feeling and can you — not lie to yourself — genuinely tell yourself that you can play at a level.
“I think I’ve done that this season and I feel good. I probably always thought that 35, 36 would be the end but I’ve stopped saying that now.
“I think as long as you feel good and, most importantly, if you feel valued and you are playing to a level where you can contribute, then keep going.
“It’s the best job in the world and as long as it’s enjoyable and you’re motivated, I don’t see a reason to stop.”
SIXTH HEAVEN
There was instant payback for that decision in the form of a Six Nations title, the fifth of his career. Munster were unable to defend their URC crown, losing at home to Glasgow in the semi-finals.
But the South Africa tour offers the chance to end the season on a high.
The absence of Jamison Gibson-Park means more game-time than might have been the case, with Craig Casey and Caolin Blade providing the competition.
Murray said: “Jamo has been unreal, he’s been brilliant, he was one of the best players in Europe this year, definitely, and had Leinster won the Champions Cup final he probably would have got player of the tournament, I would have felt, and well deserved.
“It’s unlucky on his part and you just need to be ready to step up and take your opportunities and try to fill in as best as you can. Even if Jamo was here, you’d still have the same mindset. I know he’s not here but you’d still be pushing to get as many minutes as possible and contribute to the team.”
And Farrell appears to have done a good job in keeping old hands Murray onside even if they are no longer regular starters.
The Limerick man said: “I’ve a great relationship with Andy. Not much needs to be said like that. I get really honest feedback.
“You’d hope you are trusted. If you’re starting, great, if you’re on the bench and you get to come on and play for Ireland still, you want to have a good impact.
“Games are often decided in the last quarter and if you’re on the bench, you’re going to be on the pitch and you’re going to have a pretty big say in that outcome.
“I’m still very grateful to be in this position to play for Ireland and represent Ireland. Maybe you’re just a little bit more mature about it, I suppose.”
RECENT HISTORY
Murray has won at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium — where Saturday’s first Test takes place — as recently as April when Munster edged out Bulls 27-22.
His two previous tours of the country were wildly differing experiences, with the Lions’ visit in 2021 marred by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
In 2016, CJ Stander was sent off just 22 minutes into his first Ireland appearance on home soil in Cape Town but Joe Schmidt’s side won 26-20, only to lose both the second and third Tests by six points.
Murray recalled: “There was a bit of fear definitely, going down to 14 men against South Africa.
“It was unfortunate that he got that red, I think he was just trying his best to block down Pat Lambie at the time but it turned out to be quite nasty.
“But you have seen it before when someone gets sent off, it can galvanise a team more so than the team that has 15.
“We fought really hard for each other that day and we got a famous victory.
“We just fought for each other and had a famous win down there, the first.
“I remember we played them next in Ellis Park and we fell off in the last 20 minutes, which you could say was altitude or whatever, but that’s probably something to be aware of. The third game was in Port Elizabeth I think and we had chances for a series win. To get a win was special but where this group is I don’t think one win is what we are after.”
That will require getting the better of his former Munster coach Rassie Erasmus, who has added Murray’s former team-mate Jerry Flannery to his staff.
Although Erasmus has become increasingly disliked outside South Africa, the No 9 said: “He was great to work under, a hard-nosed coach who demanded a lot from his players. He had an aura of authority about him, a little bit of fear.
“I’d have respect for Rassie, did a great job when he was down at Munster.
“People like to talk about the things he has said but he has won two World Cups now and is highly regarded.”