The man is a class apart.
Ireland were rocked on their heels by an early Australian try, in Melbourne, but they responded superbly. Conor Murray was in the mix, of course.
Not long after Kurtley Beale had stunned the visitors with a great running line for his try, Ireland gathered themselves and made hay when Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete was in the sin-bin.
After a rolling maul had the Aussies under pressure, Conor Murray took over and floated an absolute gem of a loop pass to Andrew Conway and it was try time.
The poise and precision of the pass under such pressure, at such a moment, was a joy to behold.
Ireland capitalise on the man-advantage and hit back instantly through Andrew Conway
🇦🇺 7-5 🇮🇪 #AUSvIRL pic.twitter.com/oZtOHWwu8P
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) June 16, 2018
Murray was on form all the way through the first half and his efforts, along with those of turnover king Peter o’Mahony and the rampaging James Ryan were definitely appreciated.
Leading the charge, for praise, was former Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip. But he was not the only one…
Speed of ball for @IrishRugby and the decision making/control from @ConorMurray_9 & @JohnnySexton is a beautiful thing to watch! Causing @qantaswallabies problems!
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) June 16, 2018
Class from Conor Murray. Took the ball when the maul was rolling. Knew Koroibete in the bin. Spotted space. Then executed with the pass. Try. #AUSvIRL
— iamjonnyking™ (@iamjonnyking) June 16, 2018
I’m sure I’ve said this before but I wish Conor Murray was English. Some boy.
— Pablo (@_infinitejest) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/RaymondWatts13/status/1007931111333392384
Geniunely think that Conor Murray is the world's most in-form halfback! The control and reaction time to pick out the right weight of pass at JUST the right time, these Irish boys deserve at least one W this series. #AUSvIRL
— Kerago Gecaga (@1_Tenji) June 16, 2018
With Will Genia going off injured, the stage was set for Murray to get his team on the front foot in a crucial Test.
