Sergio Parisse the next challenge for relieved CJ Stander

To say the weight has been lifted from CJ Stander’s shoulders by the end of Munster’s losing streak would be underplaying the relief the province’s captain is feeling as he heads to Paris.

After five defeats in a row, Munster finally rediscovered the winning feeling last weekend with a rare Pro12 victory at Ulster, the perfect fillip as the Reds turn their attention to a win-or-bust Champions Cup test against French champions Stade Francais this Saturday.

And nobody felt the pressure release more than the No 8 and stand-in skipper.