AFTER AN EXCELLENT Six Nations campaign, CJ Stander has cemented his status in the Ireland setup.
But the Munster man’s next assignment in the green of Ireland is a daunting tour to his native South Africa.
And Stander has already let it slip that the South African public are expecting to face an Irish side on the wane following a third-placed finish in the Six Nations after back-to-back tournament wins.
“I have the family in South Africa, and they keep me up to date with what’s going on there,” Stander said.
“They are writing us off over there because of a few losses here and there, and because we weren’t chasing the (Six Nations) championship.
“In your head, going down to South Africa it’s going to be a big challenge, you’re going to have to be very physical, they are big boys.
“They are a great team, and just for the edge a victory would add another confidence factor.
“But if you’re written off and categorised as the underdogs, then that’s always something extra to fight for, to prove that wrong.”
Stander filled in at blindside flanker for the injured Peter O’Mahony with aplomb in the Six Nations and was one of Ireland’s most consistent players in the tournament.
The foundations for his seamless transition into the Ireland side were laid by his appetite for work and ball-carrying skills over Ireland’s past five games. And the 25-year-old admitted that it’s been a big learning experience, at break-neck speed.
“I’ll probably have a bit of time off in the next couple of weeks and I’ll be able to sit back and reflect on what’s happened,” Stander explained.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey. Everyone has made it easier for me to step in.
“If I honestly look back now, getting my first start and my first two or three weeks in camp was massive for me.
“I thought maybe I’d get into the group then try to get into the team, but that was massive.
That’s the way I like it though, I like to be thrown into the deep-end, then just swim out of the muck.
Stander says he has picked up excellent advice from Ireland boss Joe Schmidt and he will take those words of wisdom back to Munster. Particularly as the province face an uphill struggle to secure Champions Cup qualification.
“I’ve learned to train more the way you’re going to play and then your actions need to be almost instinct rather than a decision.” Stander said.
“That’s what I’ve learned from Joe, that’s the thing especially he talks about.
“And just all the players, you get to know them on a personal level, and see the type of people they all are.
“It will be tough in a few weeks when you’ve started being mates with people and now you have to battle on against them again.
“I’ve learned a lot personally and as a leader, and there’s a lot I’ll take back, from Rory, from Johnny and Jamie, back to Munster.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
