Nations Cup can be springboard for Munster success

Murphy was one of 11 Munster players in the squad that secured wins over Russia, Uruguay and hosts Romania in Bucharest last month.

And having returned to pre-season training at Limerick, Murphy believes the summer learning experience can pay dividends at club level.

"It was an excellent experience that will stand to us going forwards," said the 29-year-old, charged with captaining Emerging Ireland for their inaugural crack at the Nations Cup.

"Anyone that's been in any Irish camp will know that it's all about the detail and knowing exactly where you're going from phase to phase. That sets us up well as we return to Munster where the same level of detail and discipline is required."

The Nations Cup also represented a golden opportunity for new signing Robin Copeland to get to know some those he will be running out alongside each week next term.

The 26-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal to move from Cardiff Blues, was named player of the tournament, scoring two tries in as many starts.

Copeland will have designs on a World Cup spot having been named in Ireland's preliminary squad for the Six Nations earlier this year.

And Murphy expects the No.8 to live up to his growing reputation.

"He's someone who I think will go really well for us and the fact he was Player of the Tournament at the Nations Cup shows what a great addition he is to the squad," added Murphy.

"It was really great for Robin. I had the chance to get to know some of the Munster lads on tour before I came to the club, and from a personal point of view that makes it a lot easier to have a few familiar faces on day one of a new gig.

"We can expect big things from Robin in the future."

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