Why CJ Stander Has Been Ireland's RBS 6 Nations 2016 Surprise Package
Ireland continue to suffer under the weight of their injury list. With Paul O’Connell retired and players dropping like flies, the treatment room has been home to a host of first-choice names, with further injuries suffered in the 10-9 defeat to France last weekend.
A two-week gap to allow some bodies to heal would have been welcomed no more than in the Irish camp, save perhaps for the man who has been in irrepressible form in this championship.
CJ Stander made his Ireland debut against Wales and has looked as though he could play every day, such have been the energy levels displayed by the Munster back-rower.
The South African-born, naturalised Irishman has been the standout performer for Joe Schmidt’s struggling side, going from newcomer to front-runner for player of the championship so far.
But what is it that makes him their surprise package?
1. He Only Qualified in November
Stander has had to serve his time as an Irish resident before qualifying for the national side, and outside Munster and the Irish camp, followers of other countries and clubs will not have had him on their radar, despite his impressive record in the Pro 12.
Ahead of his debut against Wales, Simon Thomas of WalesOnline even felt the need to write an introductory piece about the man from George.
If Wales, a team stocked with plenty of Pro 12 players, knew about Stander’s qualities, they didn't seem able to do much about them. Stander scored on debut and proved a constant menace to them with his dynamic carrying.
The No. 6 walked off with the man of the match award.
2. Ireland’s Back Row Has Been Doing Just Fine
One of the great strengths of the Irish side in its recent successful years has been its back row.
Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien are recent Lions, Peter O’Mahony a world-class blindside and behind them, Chris Henry, Rhys Ruddock and Tommy O’Donnell have shown the depth of quality they have at their disposal.
While all England yearned for Sam Burgess to cram in enough rugby to be their superstar at the Rugby World Cup, there was no gnashing of teeth in Ireland that Stander would be ineligible until the day of the final itself.
Had he never set foot in Ireland, green-shirted fans would not be crying out for a better stock of players in the back row.
And so it speaks volumes for the form he has displayed for his province that Schmidt didn’t waste a second before bringing him into the fold as soon as he was able.
Stander has improved an already impressive loose forward roster.
3. He Already Knows the National Anthem
It’s fair to say that some overseas coaches and players struggle to inject the same gusto into their pre-match warble than their colleagues born and bred in their homeland.
But Stander was a notable exception against Wales, belting out Amhran Na bhFiann.
Balls.ie pointed out he has had some coaching on the lyrics from Munster colleague Donnacha Ryan, and it paid off.
In this modern age of residential qualifying periods for players swapping nations and overseas coaches heading up five of the six countries in the championship, we see plenty of tight-lipped players and staff waiting respectfully for the anthem of their adopted nation to end.
Not Stander. He has learned his lines, and from day one his singing has been on point.