Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Ireland v Scotland: Conor Murray says record against Scots will not count for much in Pool B game

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Monday, 02 October 2023 05:34

Ireland's recent dominance over Scotland will not count for much when the sides battle for a place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in Paris on Saturday, says Conor Murray.

The Irish have won 12 of their last 13 meetings with the Scots.

Coach Andy Farrell's Ireland are favourites but Murray insists they are "certainly not overlooking" Scotland.

"All those games, especially in the last few years, they've been very tight fixtures," said the scrum-half.

"Some of the scoreboards might read a little bit differently but genuinely Scotland are a top side and pose a lot of threats across the board."

Ireland are coming off a rest week after securing a momentous victory over holders South Africa in Paris on 23 September, while Scotland set up a Pool B showdown with the world's number one side by thumping Romania on Saturday.

Ireland, who have won their last 16 matches, will top the group if they avoid defeat, or lose by four points or fewer.

Scotland would go through and knock Ireland out with a victory which also denies the Irish a bonus point.

The Scots prepared for Saturday's match by running in 12 tries against Romania and Murray, who worked with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour, says Ireland are wary of the Scottish attack.

"Having worked with Gregor a couple of years ago, their attacking game will cause a lot of stress and it'll make sure we prepare really well, as good if not better as we did for South Africa," added Munster's Murray, who has 110 caps.

"It's about turning the page now and realising we're up against a top international side that have an awful lot to play for.

"I expect them to really test us in every department.

"That's not just something we're saying in the media. We've had huge battles with Scotland over the years, especially recently.

"We're certainly not overlooking them. That might be the story outside but I can assure you it's completely different here."

Ireland have improved at 'flipping the page'

Ireland comfortably overcame Scotland in the 2019 World Cup in Japan, winning 27-3 only to fall to a shock defeat by the hosts in their next game.

While Murray admits Ireland have been prone to dropping their performance levels after a big win in the past, he insists the team have improved when it has come to meeting the required standard in back-to-back games.

"A good few years ago we'd get a good one-off win and then the next week we'd drop off performance-wise," said Murray.

"I think we've started properly addressing it about being consistent and nowadays this team is really good at flipping the page and focusing on what's next.

"People are talking about what's down the line and knockout rugby and all that but genuinely within our four walls we're talking about Scotland and that's the next biggest challenge for us.

"We have a plan of where we want to go but it's about doing the right thing now."

Read 59 times

Soccer

PSG clinch Ligue 1 title for 10th time in 13 years

PSG clinch Ligue 1 title for 10th time in 13 years

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsParis Saint-Germain have clinched the Ligue 1 title after AS Monaco...

Thousands line streets for Inter Milan title parade

Thousands line streets for Inter Milan title parade

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThousands of fans lined the streets on Sunday as Inter Milan parade...

Haaland on target as Man City overcome Forest, continue push for title

Haaland on target as Man City overcome Forest, continue push for title

Manchester City took another step in their bid to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title with...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Kawhi (knee) out for G4, no timetable for return

Kawhi (knee) out for G4, no timetable for return

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKawhi Leonard is out for Game 4 of the LA Clippers' first-round ser...

Bucks to be without Giannis, Lillard for Game 4

Bucks to be without Giannis, Lillard for Game 4

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMilwaukee Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have...

Baseball

Inside job: Langford rushes home for 1st MLB HR

Inside job: Langford rushes home for 1st MLB HR

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsARLINGTON, Texas -- Wyatt Langford's first big league homer was a m...

Marlins OF Garcia put on IL with hamstring injury

Marlins OF Garcia put on IL with hamstring injury

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Miami Marlins placed right fielder Avisail Garcia on the 10-day...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated