Stander Set For Twickenham Test

24th February 2016 By Munster Rugby

Carrying his excellent provincial form into the opening two rounds of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations, Munster’s CJ Stander is relishing his chance in green with the challenge of England in Twickenham next on his international horizon.

Arguably Ireland face their stiffest test of the championship to date this Saturday with Stander hard pushed to find any weakness across the English back row.

“Firstly they have Billy Vunipola who is one of the biggest carriers in the side and he has an unbelievable work rate around the pitch. He’s now a leader also and that gives him another step up in the game.

“Chis Robshaw is another big carrier and is on to the ball every second he can get – he is big in defence and you have to work really hard to outdo him.

“Then you have James Haskell and he has everything in his game – the breakdown, the offload and both his attack and defence are unbelievable.

“It will be a big match-up in the back row and we will have to work very hard to get a return but the boys on our side are excited by the challenge and we are looking forward to this match.”

Last season’s Munster Rugby Player of the Year and stand-in provincial captain in the absence of Peter O’Mahony this season, Stander has more than endeared himself to the Munster faithful, and with two excellent showings in green so far – including powerful rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann and a man of the match award against Wales – the back-rower is already a fan favourite on the Irish team.

“I’m taking it week by week and I’m excited every time I get the opportunity. Training and matches are all the same – I’m excited to put on the training gear or jersey and that is driving me on.

“It’s good to have a couple of matches under my belt. To get my first match against Wales was unbelievable although a win would have been great. Then going to France, the loss at the end was tough but it was good to be in amongst the boys to see how they handle a defeat like that and I am learning a lot from the group.

“The intensity is up there at a level I had not experienced before. It’s a big step up and I had to get used to it in my first game and then against France I was more up to speed. Everything you do at this level you have to do at 100% because everyone around you is an international and will do their job to the highest standard. If you don’t do yours you will be singled out very fast.”