Conor Murray: Noel McNamara contradicting Peter O’Mahony showed me his clear vision for how his teams should play

The Irish Times · Conor Murray · 2026-11-06 06:00 UTC

In the Nations Championship, I believe this Ireland group have earned the right to expect to beat Argentina, Fiji and South Africa

I have an instructive story about Noel McNamara. A few years ago, on a down week during the Six Nations, the senior Ireland team played Noel’s under-20s at Carton House.

Away from prying eyes, the physical stuff got serious. The young fellas are revved up so, inevitably, the packs come together. A 19-year-old lock knows he cannot retreat when James Ryan has him by the collar.

After the session, in a big huddle, Andy Farrell opened the floor for his players to pass on some advice to the next generation. Peter O’Mahony spoke. Pete suggested that the under-20 forwards should come on to the ball a bit deeper. Get up a head of steam.

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