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Lions scrum-half Conor Murray expects a 'big response' from the All Blacks

Conor Murray thinks the All Blacks will be "hurting" after losing the second Test to the Lions
Image: Conor Murray says the All Blacks will be hurting after losing the second Test

Conor Murray says the Lions still face a "massive challenge" if they are to win their series against New Zealand, but believes the world champions will be hurting from Saturday's defeat.

Murray scored the crucial second try as the Lions secured a memorable 24-21 second Test victory in Wellington to set up a decider next weekend.

But the Ireland No 9 says the visitors can expect a reaction from their hosts next week at Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994.

"They are going to be hurting, aren't they?" said Murray.

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"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 tonight and appreciate what we've done, but everyone is looking forward to beginning work and getting well prepared for next week.

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Hero of the hour Conor Murray gives his reaction to the Lions' second Test win over New Zealand

"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.

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"Not many people get to be in this position. We are going to do our best to take it."

The 25th-minute sending-off of All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams for a shoulder charge on Anthony Watson was a pivotal moment in the second Test.

Several Lions players were visibly unhappy with the tackle and Murray added: "You are on the pitch, you see it and it
looked illegal.

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Highlights of New Zealand against the British and Irish Lions in the second Test at Wellington

"You see one of your players get hurt and you want the ref to have a look at it.

"I wasn't trying to get anyone sent off or anything. It's just one of those things that happen on the pitch."

Murray preferred to focus on a fantastic fightback from the Lions, who trailed 18-9 with around 20 minutes left but conjured up tries from Taulupe Faletau and Murray.

Sonny Bill Williams is shown a red card by referee Jerome Garces
Image: Sonny Bill Williams is shown a red card by referee Jerome Garces

"I think we stuck together and have shown a lot of character to stay in the fight," said Murray.

"A lot of stuff didn't go our way today, particularly discipline. Silly penalties made it hard for us chasing the game a bit too much, but I thought we attacked them and you need to do that against the All Blacks and take your chances.

"I just thought we showed a lot of character, dug in and stayed in the fight, and came out the right end.

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"I gave away one or two penalties - a high tackle and not rolling away - silly things that we can control. We will look at that this week and make sure they are in check.

"But, 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."

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