If Irish fans were hoping for a rousing morale boost from Conor Murray today, they certainly didn’t get it at Carton House.
The Munster and Ireland outhalf was very stark in his comments from a downbeat Irish camp ahead of this Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England.
And if the players are fearful of what may take place next weekend, then fans can hardly be buoyed with much hope as they cross the Irish Sea looking for a famous win.
Joe Schmidt’s side are naturally somewhat withdrawn in themselves after failing to win either of their two games in this year’s competition so far.
Murray admits that a depleted squad, heading to London this weekend, are a mix of anxiety and excitement at what may await them against an England side looking for a third straight win under Eddie Jones.
“England away especially is a huge task; there is a fear factor among players about going there. I have never won there and there are a lot of players in the squad who have never won there but we have come close.
“We performed well against them last year in the Six Nations, so there is a mix of fear but also quite a bit of excitement.”
Murray is one a handful of players to emerge relatively unscathed so far from our campaign, and will be hoping to derail England’s ambitions of a first Grand Slam since 2003.
He admits that getting a victory against Ireland’s oldest enemy is always tough, but one that the team mentally are always aware of.
“I know it’s going to be a big task, a huge task and a challenge. You’re going to have to play really, really well to have a chance of winning over there and I’m sure, if you ask any other player, it’s going to be the same for them.
“It’s England away, it’s highlighted a bit more, there’s a bit more hype about it and the players feel that too. You prepare accordingly also.”
