CJ Stander return timely boost for Munster

CJ Stander is relishing his return to action against a big and physical Cardiff Blues back row at Thomond Park tomorrow when Munster look to bounce back from their first defeat of the Guinness PRO14 season last weekend.

The likely return, possibly from the bench, of Munster’s British & Irish Lions trio of Stander, Conor Murray and captain Peter O’Mahony for their seasonal debuts, is a welcome boost for the province following a 37-15 hammering at Glasgow last Friday as they prepare to face another Conference A rival this weekend.

After a lack of physicality and intensity in Scotstoun, Stander and company have to be straight back on the money against a Cardiff back-row likely to include the powerful Josh Navidi and former Munster No.8 Nick Williams.