CJ ready to stand tall for Munster

What is considered small in South Africa certainly wouldn’t be sneezed at in all rugby circles, so the availability of 6’2” 17-stone flanker CJ Stander for Ireland selection has been greeted with enthusiasm.

But to suggest that his perceived lack of bulk impinged on his ability to make it in his country of birth would be wrong.

A succession of coaches from underage through to adult rugby tipped him for greatness. In fact, there was widespread shock in South African rugby circles when he decided, at the age of 23, to head for Europe and make a strong statement.