CARE will wreck Ireland’s Triple Crown bid in a flash if Joe Schmidt’s men hand him free rein, according to Conor Murray.
Ireland scrum-half Murray, who will come up against Care at Twickenham on Saturday, rates his England counterpart among the world’s best attacking half-backs.
Ireland have yet to concede a try in the RBS 6 Nations after impressive victories over Scotland and Wales, but Murray is wary of Care’s sniping ability to split defences at the fringes.
‘‘He’s as dangerous as any in the world with the ball in hand,’’ said the 24-year-old.
‘‘I played against him last year and in the Heineken as well, and leading into that game we had a good look at him.
‘‘He’s a threat from anywhere, he’ll try anything from anywhere and he has the ability to pull off some really spectacular plays.
‘‘So he’s definitely a player we’ll have to keep an eye on.’’ Ireland will chase their first Triple Crown since the 2009 Grand Slam at Twickenham, with stalwart centre Brian O’Driscoll expected to match George Gregan’s world record 139 Test caps, including British and Irish Lions honours.
Murray’s accurate tactical kicking and precise distribution should prove a contrast to Care’s high-octane approach in west London.
The 24-cap half-back admitted he must employ all his defensive nous to shut Care down this weekend.
‘‘Quick taps, little snipes, he’s going to go from everywhere,’’ said Murray.
‘‘Whoever’s in the line of defence, whoever’s closest to the ruck will have to watch him closely; he likes to snipe in and around there.
‘‘He’ll try little dinks, he’ll throw offloads, and whoever’s in that front line has got to be switched on. I’ll obviously hope to be in behind that looking for those little chips, but whoever’s up in the front line I’ll just be talking to them, making sure we keep an eye on him at all times.’’
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