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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell believes Conor Murray secretly craves competition for the scrum-half position after Jamison Gibson-Park was given the nod to face Wales.<\/p>\nIreland head coach Andy Farrell believes Conor Murray secretly craves competition for the scrum-half position after Jamison Gibson-Park was given the nod to face Wales.<\/p>\n
Murray has been the long-standing first choice for his country\u2019s number nine jersey, including starting each of the five Guinness Six Nations fixtures following Farrell\u2019s appointment.<\/p>\n
New Zealand-born Gibson-Park will have an opportunity to stake his claim for that role on Friday when he makes his first Test start in the opening match of the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup.<\/p>\n
Farrell is eager to give chances to peripheral members of his 34-man squad and feels Murray \u2013 who will begin on the bench in Dublin \u2013 will appreciate being put under pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re all hoping for and, do you know what, deep down I am sure that Conor is as well,\u201d said Farrell.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got good people here and they warrant competition \u2013 whether they admit it or not \u2013 because that will make them better players and that\u2019s how we move forward as a group.\u201d<\/p>\n
Munster player Murray made his international debut in 2011 and has been an almost constant presence since, winning 83 caps in total.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old saw off a challenge from the in-form John Cooney earlier in the year to continue his long-term half-back partnership with veteran captain Johnny Sexton.<\/p>\n
Farrell, who has shaken up his starting XV by making seven changes for the visit of Wayne Pivac\u2019s side, is confident 28-year-old Leinster man Gibson-Park has the composure and attributes required to run games.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe can play very quickly but at the same time, without contradicting myself, he can play very calmly as well,\u201d said Farrell.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis speed of ball is great, his skillset across the board with his hands and his kicking and his vision, decision-making is pretty good.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he\u2019s a calming influence as well. Even though he\u2019s playing quick, he\u2019s able to see many pictures and make good decisions along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n