Even before the first ball was kicked, CJ Stander was up for Munster’s Champions Cup quarter final.
Focused as f***#CJ #MUNvTOU pic.twitter.com/kQwND0e9j1
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 1, 2017
Toulouse were on Stander like a rash from the get-go but, as he invariably does, the back-row found a way to make a massive impact in the contest.
With 49 minutes on the clock and Munster pounding on the door, Stander bulled over from close range to put Munster well clear.
Try from Stander #MUNvTOU #CjStander pic.twitter.com/fqvIAxaxma
— @Aoifs123 (@Aoifs123) April 1, 2017
Toulouse fought back but there would be no way out. Munster ravaged them at the death to win 41-16.
Stander picked up a worrying ankle injury not long after his try but stayed on the pitch until the 65th minute. He was reluctant to leave but came off the pitch with just eight points in it and 15 minutes left on the clock.
Luckily enough, his replacement Jack O’Donoghue won a crucial penalty that made it 27-16 and turned the tide, once and for all.
Stander’s ankle was heavily strapped and he had a noticeable limp, following the game, but it was surely encouraging to see him making it around for a lap of honour as fans were saluted for their support. Surely if his injury was serious he would have made straight for the home changing room. Surely…
Great to see @CJStander hoofing it around on the lap of honour #MUNvTOU pic.twitter.com/j5GwOhEwDC
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) April 1, 2017
In the post-match press briefing, Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus was positive about the injuries picked up by Stander, Keith Earls and captain Peter O’Mahony. He said:
“I’ll know more when I talk in full to the medical staff. Keith should be okay. CJ was ankle. Pete was a massive blow to his upper thigh.”
Asked if all three should be okay for the Champions Cup semi finals, Erasmus responded, “Yes, I think so.”
He thinks so. Let’s hope so.
