CJ Stander “We Just Want to Improve on Last Year”

In 2017, England came to the Aviva looking to secure back to back Grand Slam titles under Eddie Jones.In the warm up, Jamie Heaslip was ruled out injured with Peter O’Mahony coming into the starting line-up allowing CJ Stander to shift to his more natural berth at NO. 8.

Since then, the Munster man has made the position his own for his country and also toured with the Lions. This Saturday, Stander will have the chance to go head-to-head with one of the best No.8s in the world in Billy Vunipola.

The Saracens back row has had his share of injuries over the past few seasons but when fit and firing there are few better than the powerhouse.

For Munster’s Stander, it is a challenge he is relishing to go up against one of the best in the business.

“He is a power athlete. He has footwork to him as well and soft hands. A lot of people think he is just going to run over people, but he is actually an all rounder.

If you look at what he has done for Saracens this year, he is playing quite well. It’s a good match-up…I have played against him before. last time I think I was blindside, but it doesn’t really matter. He’s another big threat for them.”

Stander also reserved praise for Munster teammate Conor Murray who is expected to return to the Ireland team Saturday. Murray was absent for the November Internationals with a neck problem but has since returned for Munster and shown no negative signs since the injury.

“He is someone who just puts on the jersey and slots in straight away. He brings another level to what we can do. He is a leader in the team and one of the best nines in the world. it is great to have a player like that back.”

Despite what happened in 2018, Stander is under no illusion that it is once again a level playing field with each team starting on zero.

In a World Cup year there is pressure on Ireland to perform with Stander keen to manage expectations.

“One thing we have learned over the Six Nations is everyone is at zero. There is pressure from every team. We just want to concentrate on what we can do and what we can improve on. We just want to improve on last year and keep improving as players and learn from our mistakes.”