The pre-match debate with regard to who should be Ireland’s first-choice scrumhalf continues on the evidence of the 80 minutes against Scotland. Murray had been awarded the nine jersey for Ireland and the 30-year-old was given the opportunity to vindicate Andy Farrell’s decision and faith. In those circumstances Murray would have craved an early involvement, so in receiving the kick-off, he couldn’t have had an earlier touch. Scotland periodically managed to slow down Irish ball at the breakdown or win the collisions and Murray’s decisions to box-kick were understandable. A superbly judged clearance from Cooney took play from the Irish 22, almost to the Scottish 10-metre line.

Source: The Irish Times February 01, 2020 19:16 UTC