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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Darragh Culhane

Richie Murphy hoping to bring World Cup trophy home to Jack Oliver after father Greig's passing

Ireland boss Richie Murphy says he hopes to bring home the World Cup trophy home to Jack Oliver following the tragic passing of his father Greig in South Africa.

Munster coach Greig Oliver passed away in a paragliding injury last week and his son Jack was in the Ireland Under-20 squad for the World Cup.

And the side will compete in the World Cup final on Friday against France after they beat South Africa 31-12 on Sunday afternoon and boss Richie Murphy says he hopes to bring the World Cup trophy home to Oliver.

Speaking after the game, Murphy said: "It's obviously been a difficult couple of weeks. Greig's passing was particularly difficult, and Jack was with us in the group until Wednesday evening when he left.

"It was a difficult time for the boys, but Jack sent his support this morning and so did Fiona, Greig's wife, so I know they're at home and I know we're delighted to be able to bring him back something. No matter what happens in the final we'll be going home with something for Jack."

Greig Oliver (INPHO)

Murphy was full of praise for his side after their big win, saying: "I thought South Africa came out very strong and threw a lot of stuff at us. Our boys showed great character to stay in the fight.

"System-wise, I thought we did quite well, and we were delighted to be able to get out of that onslaught of pressure and soak it all up, and sneak in at half-time seven points up, which I thought was a massive turning point in the game. We were in a good place considering we hadn't really fired as many shots as we would have liked."

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