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Wellington - Conor Murray knows better than most what an All Black backlash looks like and the British and Irish Lions scrumhalf insists he and his team-mates are ready for a titanic series decider in Auckland this weekend.
Murray crossed for a second-half try as Warren Gatland’s side came storming back against the 14-men All Blacks to claim an historic victory in Wellington and level the Test series at 1-1 heading back to Auckland.
Murray is making a habit of producing against New Zealand, the Munsterman also crossed for a try last November when Ireland claimed their first ever win over them in 111 years of trying.
That makes him the only ever rugby player in northern hemisphere rugby to score four tries against the All Blacks but last November the world champions got their revenge.
Steve Hansen’s side secured a 21-9 victory in the Aviva Stadium a fortnight after the Chicago shock and Murray knows the series decider at Eden Park this weekend will be enormous.
“They are going to be hurting, aren’t they?” Murray told the British and Irish Lions' official website.
“They will have a response, they will be hurting and they are at home in Eden Park. It’s going to be a massive challenge.
“We will enjoy this and appreciate what we’ve done, but everyone is looking forward to beginning work and getting as well prepared for next week in trying to take an opportunity. It’s a great place to be in. It will make the last week of the tour a little easier.? It could have been a long week next week.
“Not many people get to be in this position. We are going to do our best to take it.”
First up the players are enjoying a well-earned couple of days off in Queenstown in the south island to rest tired minds and bodies.
But soon they will be back in Auckland with their sights set on Eden Park and a shot at sporting immortality.
“Mentally, we are going to be thinking about this game all week, but the next few days are about rest and recovery,” added Murray.
“It’s nice to think it will be a bit quieter down in Queenstown, to get away from the bubble of it and then rev up and go for it.
“To beat the All Blacks, having been in a difficult position for most of the game, just showed how much we cared and how much we were willing to work for each other. We are going to need it again ?next week and be a lot more clinical.”
