CJ Stander banks on ‘tough’ Dan Leavy as injuries mount

Josh van der Flier may have joined a growing band of brothers from the back row union in casualty, but CJ Stander is certain that Ireland’s resources in the department remain adequately stocked.

To what extent we are about to find out.

Jamie Heaslip and Rhys Ruddock were crocked long before Ireland kicked off their Six Nations campaign with a dramatic win in Paris last weekend and Sean O’Brien is struggling to make it back for the meeting with Wales at the end of the month.