CJ Looks Forward To Crucial Connacht Clash

South African back-row forward CJ Stander is eagerly anticipating Munster’s return to Guinness PRO12 action on Saturday evening as rivals Connacht visit Thomond Park (KO 5:15pm).

With just five league games remaining, the game could go a long way to deciding where both sides finish in the table and Stander is keen to play his part: “It’s been two weeks since we had a game so I am excited to get back playing,” says Stander.

“Connacht are playing well, and in 6th position. We lost up there in the Sportsground on New Year’s Day – the New Year didn’t start well for us. They are playing great rugby and it’s important to keep that in mind going into this game.

“We have a few boys coming back from injury so it’s good to get them back. Hopefully there will be more back in the next few weeks. It was good to have a down week to get the boys recovered and back to full fitness.

"There’s a lot of competition in the squad, there are a few young boys coming through – it’s great to have guys pushing us. There’s competition when the internationals are away, and there’s even more when they are back,” Stander adds.CJ Stander in action against Connacht last season

As Munster enter the business end of the season with very little margin for error, the powerful ball-carrier is keen to preach the importance of the remaining games.

“There are five games left so it’s cup rugby," says Stander. "There are a lot of teams on similar points to us so it’s important to win the big games coming up, starting with Connacht this weekend.

"It’s a tough competition and if you don’t get a foothold early in the game it makes a massive difference. We lost to Ospreys in the last game and we were well below par that day.”

The men’s and women’s 6 Nations trophies will be on show at Thomond Park on Saturday and Stander was thrilled to see Ireland, and his Munster team-mates, retain the Championship last weekend.

“I am delighted for them winning the Six Nations. Saturday was probably one of the best days ever for me to watch rugby. It was great to see them win it again, and now they will come back with that experience and drive us on for the rest of the season."

Munster v Connacht, Guinness PRO12 Round 18, Saturday Match 28th at Thomond Park – KO 5:15pm.

Adult tickets start from just €;20 while Juniors can go from just €;7. Purchase tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park or by calling 0818 719 300.

Tickets for this game can also be purchased as part of a 3 Match Pack where you can enjoy all three remaining home round games – against Connacht (Limerick), Benetton Treviso and Newport-Gwent Dragons (both in Cork) – from just €;50. Start building your 3 Match Pack here.

Check out all the stats ahead of the clash and view Munster's remaining fixtures here.