Once he gets to grips with the dizzying rise in status, the 22-year-old New Zealander could do worse than consider the fates of those of a similar shape summoned by Wales in optimistic search for another Shane Williams. Theirs has proved almost as elusive as the old maestro in his mercurial pomp.
The wider rugby public beyond Murray’s high school in New Plymouth had never heard of him until he appeared as a second-half substitute for New Zealand Schools against their Fijian counterparts. The new boy announced himself with a solo try from almost 80 metres good enough to draw comparison with Christian Cullen at the same age.
Despite such gushing acclaim, Murray’s apprenticeship in wizardry back home never really took off. The serial-winning Crusaders went about their Super Rugby business without him, leaving Blair to bid for a place with Canterbury in the less rarefied atmosphere of what used to be the NPC (National Provincial Championship).
The Scarlets, according to head coach Dwayne Peel, saw enough from limited appearances of a player ‘who can break a game open with his speed and vision’. Murray also had another priceless gift, Welsh eligibility provided by his mother who emigrated to New Zealand from Tonyrefail in the Rhondda.
Denne historien er fra October 27, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 27, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
