If Ireland will take one thing from the 2016 Six Nations, it’s CJ Stander.
No third successive title, not even any of the old glorious defeats. Just a flat campaign lit up by just one win so far, against the lowly Italians at that.
But, throughout, one man has stolen our hearts. One man has captivated the nation and worked his way into the Irish embrace. Step forward, CJ Stander.
Ireland’s first win since October was fitted with the South African’s first try for his new country. If there was ever any doubt before Saturday, CJ Stander is now a fully-fledged Irish man.
And we couldn’t be more proud.
https://twitter.com/carol_hennessy/status/708656585833373696
CJ Stander’s first Irish try.
CJ Stander, the proud, patriotic Irish man.
CJ Stander did learn Amhran na bhFiann. Good lad CJ #rugby #IREvWAL #RBS6Nations pic.twitter.com/olNpxIegtv
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 7, 2016
CJ Stander, the national holiday.
https://twitter.com/AoifMcG/status/708656236489789440
CJ Stander, the earthquake.
Seemingly.
CJ Stander battleing his way through the italian defence to score his first international try #topmoment 😆 @TISSOT 🙊 pic.twitter.com/OzZqnt8YuP
— Albert Fenton (@albear_faintin) March 13, 2016
CJ Stander, the cross-community officer.
#SpiritOfRugby right here: rivals @Munsterrugby & @leinsterrugby standing #ShouldertoShoulder for @CJStander pic.twitter.com/PNjwbglfFB
— Alice Hayes (@AliceIsFierce) March 12, 2016
CJ Stander, the turning-bellies-to-mush guy.
https://twitter.com/unfunfionn/status/708678786418655232
CJ Stander, the record-breaker.
49 man of the matches in 4 international appearances.
https://twitter.com/FionnKeane/status/708675187718426624
CJ Stander, the turncoat.
Wait, piss off. He loves Ireland more than you.
After 4 games CJ Stander finally gets his first test win.
Against Italy.
Yeah that move is really working out for him.— Ben Wessels (@Ben__ZA) March 12, 2016
CJ Stander, the pie.
https://twitter.com/OrlaRea_/status/708661082542501889
CJ Stander, the over-the-top’s favourite.
CJ Stander is such a beast I've never been happier for anyone ever
— Patricia (@_PatriciaV_) March 12, 2016
CJ Stander, the heart-throb.
Dominic Purcell et Channing Tatum ont eu un fils… #CJStander pic.twitter.com/PFjGKvIPWM
— Bah voilà (@QueenLilycorne) March 12, 2016
CJ Stander, the monster.
https://twitter.com/jackdonnellly/status/708656056784822272
CJ Stander, the beast.
Cj Stander is an absolute beast
— Kev McKenna (@shiskabow) March 12, 2016
CJ Stander, the machine.
CJ Stander is an absolute machine #IREvITA
— Chris Palmer (@vanpalmero) March 12, 2016
CJ Stander, the man.
https://twitter.com/beahan_taidgh/status/708656850338709504
CJ Stander, we love you.
https://twitter.com/StevieBuckley/status/708655864249503745
