The South African’s homecoming lasted 21 minutes. The first 20 were impressive. The next 60 seconds were unfortunate.
CJ Stander struggled to hold back the tears as Ireland’s Call ran out across Ellis Park.
The Springboks lined up metres from him but he stood proudly between Devin Toner and Conor Murray – Meath man and Limerick man – as he roared out the chorus.
The Western Cape native was keyed up. It took three years to become Irish-qualified and one training session with Joe Schmidt’s team to let him know he belonged; that he made the right decision.
He started the first Test like a tornado and let every Bok within range know where his allegiances lay. Then, 21 minutes in, he jumped to block a Pat Lambie kick and, in swivelling, knocked Lambie out. A stretcher, medics, a red card and dejection followed but Ireland won with 14 men.
It only adds to the legend but this was a massive call in this game. Feels like it happened years ago! https://t.co/kaN7Ycw4Uy
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 11, 2016
They were at their full compliment in Johannesburg, last week, but the banned Stander watched from the stands. Ireland ran out of puff and were blown away in the final quarter. It was a hard watch.
Now, Stander is back at blindside and, according to back row partner Jordi Murphy, ready to make the best sort of impact – a winning one. Murphy says:
“Ah he’s been raring to go. Sure he was raring to go last week, when he couldn’t play.
“He’s that sort of player. He gives 100% on the pitch, 100% in training too and it is great to see him involved again.”
One flanker Ireland must concern themselves with is Warren Whiteley. The Lions forward made a huge impact off the bench, in the Second Test comeback win, and has been promoted to the starting XV.
“We can’t give him as much space to roam around and do like he did last weekend,” said Murphy.
With Stander on patrol, roaming Springboks beware.
