Kicking contest 'bored' Murray

Connor Murray admitted it was a battle not to get bored with all the kicking in his side's 14-3 European Rugby Champions Cup win over Saracens.

It took 26 minutes before the first score at Thomond Park and the top two teams in Pool One were locked together at 3-all at half-time.

There was nothing between the teams on the hour when Rhys Gill picked up a yellow card.

Munster smelt blood, went in for the kill and scored eight vital points while Gill was on the sidelines.

Murray and his halfback partner Ian Keatley controlled matters from there until the end and their efforts helped put the Irish province in control of the Pool.

"The win last week got us out of jail and we had to put things right and get a good performance," said Murray.

"I think we did that well. Saracens like to put teams under pressure and we didn't try to rush things or go for miracle plays.

"We played in the right areas of the pitch at the right time and got our reward. After the yellow card we got a penalty on the 10-metre line and got down into the 22.

"We converted a score from that and it gave us a huge lift. That allowed us to push on and we got another penalty on top of that. Those 10 minutes were crucial.

"Sometimes Saracens can come back fighting, but we stuck in there and stayed with our game plan and were patient. It's about playing in the right areas with Ian and there is always a lot of kicking against the Saracens.

"So much so it can become a bit boring at times. But you can't afford to get bored of it – you have to keep playing in the right areas and not force the play."

Murray picked up the Heineken Man of the Match award for his efforts, but picked out prop Dave Kilcoyne for special praise after he picked up his second try in as many games.

"Dave's try was testament to the strength in depth of our squad. He came on and knew the call straight away, so credit to him," added Murray.