The Albany Gazette - Murray adamant size isn't everything despite losing Wales place

The 24-year-old Murray, born in New Zealand, enjoyed a rapid rise on the international stage by featuring in all 14 Tests for Wales after making his debut against Fiji in 2024.

But he has been absent from coach Steve Tandy's run-on side in the opening three games of the Six Nations, missing defeats by England and France before featuring as a replacement on the wing in last week's agonisingly narrow loss to Scotland in Cardiff.

At 5ft 9in (1.75 metres), there have been doubts about Murray's ability under the high ball at a time when aerial contests are an increasingly common feature of international rugby union, with Tandy preferring the 6ft 2in (1.88 m) Louis Rees-Zammit in the No 15 shirt during the Championship.

Rugby union has long prided itself on being a game for all shapes and sizes but, in the professional era, players have become increasingly bigger, faster and stronger as they adjust to an ever-more physical game

"I still think any shape and size can play," said Murray. "Things change tactically depending on who you’re playing or who you play for, but I still think that saying goes strong."

But rule changes mean modern-day full-backs often find themselves alone under the high ball as opponents rush towards them, their momentum providing a springboard as they leap off the turf.

Murray, however, concedes the role of the modern-day full-back is fraught with danger.

"It's a tough job," Murray conceded.

"Without people being able to escort or block, it does become just a straight one-on-one in the air. We've done a lot of work here about how many balls actually get caught cleanly and it's quite a low percentage.

"So it's more just about we’re focusing on trying to make a collision. Don't shy away from the contact in the air, and just try and win the space early.

"You've got to try and have the mindset of winning the collision."

Wales remain winless in this season's championship after suffering a 14th consecutive Six Nations defeat during a dramatic 26-23 loss to Scotland at the Millennium Stadium where the home side led until five minutes from time.

Their next assignment takes Wales to Dublin a week on Friday where they face an Ireland side who maintained their title bid with a 42-21 third-round rout of England at Twickenham.

"It's frustrating seeing the boys go out and put on a good effort, and not come away with the result," said Murray. "We didn't play the way we wanted against England and France but Scotland was a really good shift for us."

(T.Martin--TAG)