In five years time, when we look back on the 2017 Six Nations fixture between Ireland and France, what will we remember? Not a whole lot, most likely. Like all Ireland-France games this decade, it was a bitter, ugly, brittle contest full of dundering attacks, meaty collisions, and impassioned but insipid rugby played in poor conditions. It summed up everything dull about test rugby in 2017.
BUT! We should look back fondly on Ireland-France because it contained one moment of true genius - a kick to the corner in the 2nd half by Conor Murray that pinned the French into their own end.
It started with a deft move between Murray and Rory Best, with Murray spotting a massive swathe of grass behind Machenaud.
Take a moment to appreciate the technique here: the kick came off the inside of his boot
From there Machenaud was running for his life
The ball found touch about a half inch from the try line.
It wasn't the only inspired Irish kick in the second half. Johnny Sexton's drop goal was pretty good but Murray proved just how dynamic his game is with that kick. He's comfortably the best #9 in the world.
