Murphy will step up to the challenge

John O'Sullivan on the Leicester full back who grabbed his chance to nail down a first-team Ireland position with both hands and ran with it

Those weaned on a diet of Murphy-lite - Geordan that is - who don't have access to his weekly exploits with Leicester are enjoying a conversion of Damascene proportions. Murphy's largely foot perfect performances for Ireland have shredded many an assumption. Celebrated for his attacking prowess, the eulogies have usually ended with a but, the reservation alighting on his defensive resilience.

His response in this season's Six Nations Championship could not have been more unequivocal. Ireland supporters now know what their Leicester counterparts have been aware of for several seasons; the boy has got the all-round game.

His presence in securing garryowens belies his slender frame, a homage to courage and excellent technique, exploding the misconception that a bulky physique is a prerequisite.

"It doesn't really bother me. People that know me kind of laugh at the things that are written. I'm not a big player, a typical 15 or 16 stone full back and you get them out there. People might say that I'm not big enough, but I've always believed that if you go out and give 100 per cent effort and heart then you're going to get through.

"Maybe that's why people said 'oh we know that he can attack, but can he defend'? There always has to be doubts because no one is going to come up to you and say, 'oh there you go you're a perfect player'. When they questioned my ability under the high ball, I just laughed because that is one of my favourite aspects of the game.

"It's second nature to me. There is always the case that if someone put up a good bomb that someone challenging you can get a hand to it ahead of you; there's nothing you can do about that, it's just good attacking play ."

Murphy is enjoying an exceptional season and not just in the green shirt of the national side. Leicester may be struggling in the league this year, but the Irishman is one player who has shone through the mediocrity and this after missing the early part of the season with a shoulder operation.

"The start of the season was very frustrating. I came back against Calvisano at home in a European Cup tie and was conscious of the fact that it would take a couple of matches to get back into the swing of things. It just seemed to click straight away, scored a couple of tries and got man-of-the-match. It's good to get back into the game like that after a long layoff. I was quite surprised."

That was the week before the first Autumn international against Australia and while the Irish management informed him he wasn't in their plans for that game, he was back in time for the Fiji game.

An extended run of test matches has facilitated his integration, finally allowing him to shake the migrant feeling of those who dip in and out of the squad. He pays tribute to assistant coach Declan Kidney, who he has known since the former coached him in his Ireland Under-19 days.

"He's pulled me aside a few times, helping me relax and I find him a brilliant man motivator.

"My first few caps, going in for a game, coming out for a game, going in for a game, it was a bit unsettling. You constantly think that you have something to prove.

"After the first couple you realise that you can't prove something every time. If you get a run in the team, you settle in and it allows you develop a greater rapport with the people around you."

Conversation strays to Sunday's match and the presence of Leicester team-mates Ben Kay, Neil Back and Martin Johnson in the England team. Back-to-back internationals ensured that they haven't communicated face-to-face for a while, but they have managed to stay in touch.

"No, not much baiting at all. Had a few texts, a little bit of banter, nothing serious; well a bit of name calling and just some good-

natured fun," he laughs.

"They're nice guys off the field, I get on brilliantly with them all and rely on them to do quite a lot for me. Come Sunday, we're players on different teams, no mercy asked for or given."