He’s going, isn’t he?
CJ Stander was always going to make an impact for Munster. You could see that from the very first time he lined out for them.
So it proved and so it proved again with Ireland. It has been 10 games since Stander first lined out in the Ireland jersey against Wales and he looks every inch the Test star.
Stander has scored three tries, made 141 carries for 190 metres gained, beat 14 defenders on breaks, made nine turnovers and 74 tackles [93% completion rate]. He has been man of the match twice. In short, he has been awesome.
It is no surprise, then, to hear Stander’s name mentioned as a potential squad member of the 2017 British & Irish Lions.
While Lions coach Warren Gatland name-checked Tadhg Furlong, Conor Murray and Robbie Henshaw as Irish players heading in the right direction, Stander’s name is big part of the conversation.
The back row slots will be fiercely contested but Stander has shown what he is capable of against the world’s best and New Zealand know all about him. If he keeps up his top form in the Six Nations, he is a lock to travel to the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Stander was asked if Gatland had been in touch with him during an interview on Spin South West’s Fully Charged. He deftly replied:
“You’re putting me on the spot here. No, I haven’t spoken to Warren but that will probably come with time… if I get selected.
“It is something that’s in the back of a lot of players’ minds but there’s still a lot to play for and you still need to perform if you are to make that squad.”
Asked about his epic performance in the 40-29 victory over the All Blacks, Stander said that whole week in Chicago is one of his best ever memories in the game. Top of the list?
“My Ireland debut,” he replied.
This man simply gets it.
