Conor Murray opens up on Andy Farrell's team culture

Seasoned Irish scrumhalf Conor Murray has opened up about the vibrant culture which Head Coach Andy Farrell has cultivated within the squad. 

Ireland recently returned home with an away series victory against the All Blacks intact and their brilliant performances on the pitch were indicative of a team with high spirits and confidence. 

 “How he does it, I don’t know, but he’s got it,” Murray said of Farrell. 

“Everyone has bought into this culture. You literally bounce into camp, everyone does. It’s one of the most enjoyable places to be. 

“There’s such a mixture of what goes on when you’re in camp and how vulnerable you have to be. You have to open yourself up in there. Do you know what I mean? 

“It’s comfortable because you love it so much, but it’s also uncomfortable. 

“Everyone kind of has to buy in. You have to give a lot of yourself to the whole thing. 

“Andy, I don’t know what his recipe is or whatever, but the celebrations were incredible because we just were all so part of this group. It’s very genuine. 

“Everyone is playing for each other. There’s no wrong answers. That’s the big thing with Andy, which is massive. You can ask as many silly questions as you feel like. If you are struggling with the game plan or you’re unsure of something, it’s your fault for not asking about it. 

“It’s just a great dynamic where everyone feels comfortable. 

“Whether you have one cap or you have 100 caps, it doesn’t really matter. Everyone is just there to learn to try and make the group better. It’s the most enjoyable national set-up I’ve ever been involved in.” 

Ireland were written off by most after the first Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin, which the latter took 42-19. However, Farrell’s men bounced back in dramatic fashion to take the following two Tests 23-12 and 32-22 respectively. 

“We kept going,” Murray recalls. “We went down to Dunedin and we were like, ‘right, we’ll tighten up our mistakes and give it another shot’ and we did it. 

“It was an unbelievable day, obviously first time ever doing it, etc, but I think you can see in the players’ body language after the final whistle, we’re celebrating, yes, but we didn’t go crazy because we know what kind of potential is in this group. 

“And it was a Test series, you know what I mean? 

“We’ve been lucky enough to beat the All Blacks on a few occasions now, but the week after you beat them, you usually get some serious backlash. 

“That’s where the experience of the group was like, ‘right, that was brilliant. But what we do now?’ We’d done this before. We beat them. I know the first time in New Zealand, but next week they’re going to be coming for us. 

“And that was most pleasing. The third and final Test was just out of this world, just the majority of the group performing. 

“And to do that the week after doing something really historic. It was special last Saturday.”