CJ Stander: Time for Munster to stand up and fight
These days, though, it looks as if the shoe is very much on the other foot, and it is Munster’s turn to fear what may lie in wait when they take on Pat Lam’s rampaging squad and their own fanatical support at the Sportsground on Saturday night. This season has been very much about Connacht’s attractive football and magnificent run of impressive results compared to a succession of poor and uninspiring performances by Munster.
Connacht won for the first time since 1986 at Thomond Park at Christmas and are intent on completing the double this time around. Munster captain CJ Stander may have been one of the inspirational figures in the Irish Six Nations squad but he appreciates what he and his players can expect in the return leg.
“After 29 years, yeah, they won at Thomond Park,” he acknowledges. “We didn’t have the ball at all in the first half and didn’t use it when we had in the second. There were a lot of opportunities but we just let them play and they came out and physically beat us up. We let ourselves down.
“Look, we’re playing finals rugby, week in, week out. If you need motivation over the next few weeks... you’re going to have to look after yourself and create something that reflects well on you.
“There have been a few matches when we didn’t really pitch up and a few matches where we played some good rugby but throughout the season, the consistency was up and down. You think that a Munster red jersey is always going to get into the finals or semi-finals so it is a bit of a surprise not getting there. But that’s where people need to take the onus on themselves and work hard to give the team the opportunity to get there.”
Understandably, exuberant Connacht fans believe that if Munster couldn’t beat them at Thomond Park, they’re not going to do so in the Sportsground, with so much at stake. Stander understands where they are coming from.
“The atmosphere there picks them up,” he accepts. “Big players like Bundee Aki get a few runs and the crowd gets behind them. It’s a small stadium with a lot of noise and a lot of people. Connacht know they did a job on us in Thomond Park and if they can do the same in front of their own supporters, it will be their game.”
Rob Henshaw may be the homegrown star in the Connacht midfield, but if anything his centre partner Bundee Aki is more beloved of the Sportsground fans. The manner in which he beat his breast in delight after scoring a superb try in the first meeting of the sides told its own story. Stander agrees that he remains a massive threat.
“He plays unbelievable rugby and lifts all those around him,” said Stander. “He can play anywhere. He’s physical, goes in 100%, big hits and big tackles.”
Munster’s task is all the more difficult because of the way they failed to see off Leinster at the Aviva a couple of weeks ago.
“Everyone says it comes down to the end but we had a lot of opportunities during the game,” Stander stated. “As with all our games, we could have scored points earlier on. We still got a point out of the match but that’s not ideal and made it more difficult going into the last three matches, and especially this weekend.”
Stander spent much of last week at home in South Africa to celebrate his international debut for his adopted country and the graduation of his wife Jean-Marie Neethling. The focus there was on the upcoming Test series between the Springboks and Ireland.
“Everyone is excited and looking forward to it. South Africans are always passionate about their team, especially with a new coach coming. I have played against Allister Coetzee when he was with the Stormers... they have always been up there with the best defence. For a small guy, he packs a big punch.”
Something on the lines of what Munster can expect at the Sportsground on Saturday night.
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