Around 59 minutes into the game and everyone was calling his name.
Toby Faletau then scored a fantastic try but, 10 minutes later, the nervous cries began again. CJ, CJ, CJ.
Where’s CJ bloody Stander?!
https://twitter.com/aconnaughton3/status/881079342264180736
https://twitter.com/winifredmpj/status/881077477237501952
The Ireland back-row was named on the Lions bench, for the Second Test against New Zealand, to provide a massive impact off the bench.
Against 14 fired up Kiwis, the Lions battled back from 18-9 and 21-14 down to take a three point lead in the closing stages. All the while, Stander had to watch from the sidelines and cheer on his teammates.
Stander was one of four Lions in the matchday 23 that didn’t see a minute. Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler and Courtney Lawes all saw game time and Jack Nowell covered while Anthony Watson went, and passed, a Head Injury Assessment.
In Stander, though, the Lions had one fearsome cheerleader and his reaction at the final whistle tops the lot. Pure, unconfined joy:
And in video form:
Just look at that face…
All over the pitch, and along the sidelines, there were some fantastic images and moments the Lions players, staff and fans will remember for years to come.
Owen Farrell celebrated with his younger brother Gabriel, Maro Itoje got a huge from his dad, Jack McGrath was rewarded with a kiss from his fianceé and Johnny Sexton was jubilant.
Onward to Auckland for the Third Test but some celebrations first.
