'He takes the hard yards': Praise for CJ Stander ahead of 50th cap

CJ Stander will start at No 8 against Scotland on Sunday and enters the game as the championship’s top carrier after three rounds

Ireland's CJ Stander celebrates after scoring a try against Italy. The former Bulls back row enters Sunday's game as the Six Nation's top carrier. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

CJ Stander’s performance statistics tell their own story of his ongoing contribution to Ireland’s cause but as far as Andy Farrell is concerned, that presents only a fraction of what makes the back-rower such an important part of his squad.

The head coach has handed the 30-year-old his 50th cap for tomorrow’s Guinness Six Nations visit to Scotland.