CJ Stander's immediate actions following his sending off speak of a man who truly regretted his actions.
22 minutes into his first Test match in his native land, CJ Stander was sent off.
His actions, in jumping and turning his body, may have been reckless but there was surely no thought of injuring South African outhalf Pat Lambie. That, unfortunately, is how it played out. Lambie's head collided with Stander's hip and he was knocked out.
Stander, who grew up on South Africa's Western Cape, was rounded on by angry Springbok fans as slow motion replays sealed his faith. A straight red card was flashed as medics attended Lambie.
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Upon reaching the sideline, Stander was consoled by Ireland team manager Mick Kearney. He wanted to stay on there to check if Lambie was okay but he was directed toward the changing rooms.
The pair had caught up at the Irish team hotel on the day before Ireland's 26-20 triumph. They played together for the Junior Springboks at the 2010 Junior World Championships - Stander the captain, Lambie the prodigious 10.
Stander departed down the tunnel but it was there that he waited as Lambie was placed on a stretcher and carried away. He got word on the condition of his former South Africa U20 teammate before going to the changing room. He took his time in there before making his way back to the Irish bench.
The 26-year-old exchanged a few words with his father, Jannie Stander, during the game. Mr Stander told
Netwerk 24:
"CJ said to me, 'Dad, if we lose to my teammates think it's my fault'."
Stander was delighted when the final whistle confirmed Ireland's win but was reluctant to join in the on-pitch celebrations. His teammates ushered him onto the field but he stood at the fringes while others hugged and laughed.
He spoke with Joe Schmidt and pulled in a few players - Jack McGrath and Paddy Jackson were two - for private words of congratulations.
Lambie was back at the ground for the end-game. He was in a neck brace and moving gingerly after being attended to at a local hospital. Stander gave him space then but sought him out to personally apologise at the post-match dinner.
Stander will learn his fate later today after being cited for the red card incident. There remains a strong likelihood that he will miss the remainder of the tour.
For Jannie Stander, his wife Amanda and other son Janneman, the homecoming was bittersweet. All are hoping that they will get another chance, or two, to see CJ representing that green jersey of Ireland in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
