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Murray: Best’s century spurred us on to Wallaby victory

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Ireland battled their way to an historic treble with their win over Australia and scrum-half Conor Murray claims the team were desperate to give Rory Best a 100th cap to remember.

Ireland battled their way to an historic treble with their win over Australia and scrum-half Conor Murray claims the team were desperate to give Rory Best a 100th cap to remember.

The hooker was replaced in the dying moments of the 27-24 win – which secured calendar-year victories over the Australia, South Africa and New Zealand for the first time ever – and received a standing ovation from the packed Aviva Stadium.

Ireland raced into a 17-0 lead in the first half, but went 24-20 behind in the second period, before a late rally led the Irish to a memorable win.

And Murray said Best’s landmark helped them over the line, as they became the first team since England in 2003 to beat the southern hemisphere trio in a calendar year.

“It was unbelievable, just to give it to Rory, it was great to get a win for him and no-one deserves it more,” said the 27-year-old.

“He’s a very liked character around the squad, everyone respects him, and it probably dragged us through the last 20 minutes, maybe even the second half because that was very difficult.

“We were chasing shadows for a while but this team has a lot of heart and I’m very proud to play for this team.”

Despite the home loss to the All Blacks last weekend, the win over the Kiwis in Chicago, added to the summer defeat of the Springboks, made 2016 a year to remember for Ireland.

And Murray credited the team spirit for their victories.

“It’s an unbelievable atmosphere we have in the team now, and an unbelievable way to finish November,” he added.

“We have a great buzz around the squad, everyone plays for each other, and I think it shows in our performance.

“The second half wasn’t to pretty, but we ground it out, it was brilliant.”