One hopes Pat Lambie bounces back from this brutal coming together.
21 minutes into Ireland’s First Test with South Africa and the visitors led 10-3.
One of their best players in the opening quarter was CJ Stander, who was clearly emotional in his first international outing on native, South African soil.
Doesn’t matter if it’s Amhrán na bhFiann or Ireland’s Call, CJ will give it socks pic.twitter.com/DtBT93JtVa
— Patrick McCarry (@patmccarry) June 11, 2016
The Munster flanker made his Ireland debut in this year’s Six Nations after becoming qualified for the country under the three-year residency rule.
Stander made a couple of good hits and carries in the opening exchanges but he appeared slightly reckless in jumping, and turning his hip as former South Africa U20 teammate Lambie chipped over his head.
The impact instantly knocked Lambie out and drew catcalls and boos from the home crowd. Replays, showed on the big screen at Newlands Stadium, did Stander no favours.
There looked to be no intent but, following consultation with the video match official, Stander was given his marching orders.
It is the first time the 26-year-old has been red-carded in his career.
Not a good time to blot one’s copy-book but Stander can consider himself unfortunate.
