Rory Keane reports from Johannesburg
RICHIE MURPHY HAS voiced his disappointment over CJ Stander’s one-week ban following his red card in last Saturday’s 26-20 victory against South Africa at Newlands.
The Munster flanker was sent off in the 23rd minute of the match after he collided with Pat Lambie while attempting to charge down the Springbok No 10’s kick.
After a lengthy disciplinary hearing, which dragged on through Sunday and Monday, judicial officer Terry Willis concluded that Stander should miss this weekend’s second Test at Ellis Park.
Speaking at the team’s base in Johannesburg this afternoon, Ireland’s skills and kicking coach gave his views on Stander’s ban.
“We’re disappointed in the verdict,” said Murphy.
“It’s one of those things where a player’s got injured on the pitch and we’re disappointed for that as well, that was never the intention from CJ. I suppose the process that he’s gone through over the last three days has just taken forever. It’s been very slow. So, that’s something that’s probably gone against CJ at this stage.
The Irish management are awaiting the official report from the hearing and have 48 hours to appeal the decision.
With five days to go until the game and with Stander unable to train over the past few days, Murphy conceded that an appeal would be unlikely at stage:
“Unfortunately we can’t make that decision yet because we haven’t received the report at the moment.
“We’re in a situation where we’re half way through the training week already. CJ obviously hasn’t been training with the team so it’s probably a situation where it’s probably a little bit too late already.”
Stander, who has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season with Ireland, will be a big loss to an Ireland side chasing a first-ever series win on South Africa soil.
“He’s been a fantastic guy in Irish rugby since he’s come over in the three years that he’s been there, four years now I think it is. He’s been fantastic for Munster. He gives real leadership qualities within the team,” said Murphy.
“His work rate is really high and obviously he’s made of granite so he’s one of those guys that will get you on the front foot.
“So, yeah he’ll be missed but with that it gives opportunities to other guys like Rhys Ruddock whose had a really good season this year. We’ve got Rhys there who can step into those shoes, if needed.”
Murphy reported no fresh injury concerns as Joe Schmidt’s squad continue their preparations for the forthcoming rematch with the Boks.
Still smarting from their first-ever home defeat against Ireland, Allister Coetzee’s side are poised to deliver a ferocious backlash at attitude.
“Yeah, I think so,” Murphy agreed.
“When you look at the players they have available to them they’re an extremely good side. We’re under no illusions that last week they were a little bit below par and we’re under no illusions that from one week to the next things will change. Ireland will change massively and so will the Springboks.
“This week will be very different and we’re pretty sure that Springboks won’t give us the opportunities that they gave us last week.”
“I’ve been around the Irish team for a couple of years now, this is my third season with them and one thing you never get from them is that they’ll never be overly happy with big wins.
“They just move on to the next game, the lads at the weekend were delighted.
“They’ve done something that no other Irish team has done before, but the group of players that they are they’ll just try and move on and break another record.”
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