CJ Stander stands up for Johnny Sexton

CJ Stander has launched an impassioned defence of “tough guy” Johnny Sexton, insisting Ireland’s premier playmaker would never play-act.

Scotland centre Alex Dunbar was sin-binned for a judo-throw clean-out on Sexton at a ruck as Saturday’s clash descended into a fraught finish.

Scotland’s Pete Horne told referee Pascal Gauzere “he’s milking it” in reaction to Sexton’s nonplussed, theatrical response to being upended by Dunbar.

“Johnny always gets marked, and it’s tough for a player like that, because he always gets the big tackles, the big knocks off the ball,” said Munster flanker Stander.

“In rugby, if you have an injury you stay down; if you don’t, you get straight back up. I’ve got massive respect for Johnny, he’s a tough guy, and a player who would never milk a penalty like that, it’s just not something he’d do.

“If he has an injury he’ll sit down, and that’s just what happened.”

Now ensconced in Joe Schmidt’s side, Stander is perfectly placed to review the challenge of seeking Test victories in his homeland.

“Cape Town with the altitude will be fine, but when you go up to the Highveld the altitude will be tough,” said Stander. “So your fitness has to be up there, your lungs are going to burn a bit, they play a physical game and their supporters get behind them. And you need to play your game, keep your head down and be physical.

“You have to play your game — if they get into your head it’s going to be a long day.”

For that summer tour, Rory Best hands should continue as captain for the June trip, believes Tommy O’Donnell.

“There is a great abundance of leaders in this squad, and yes Paulie was that talismanic leader for a long time, but Rory was always one of the vice-captains chipping in.And he’s just stepped up to the main role now, and he’s doing a very good job of it. It’s good to have that mix, because Johnny’s got to run the game and control the back line. He can control that so efficiently and when he’s firing he really rips backlines apart.”