Former Bulls flanker CJ Stander scored two tries on his first start for Munster as they beat Glasgow Warriors 31-3 in the RaboDirect PRO 12 at the weekend. Stander’s first try was placed over a ruck, but for the second he had to sprint over 80 meters.
Unfortunately the former South African u20 captain broke a bone in his hand during the match, so has since been ruled out until January. He, along with Niall Ronan, Sean Dougall, and Tommy O’Donnell will all miss out on Munster’s Heineken Cup game againt Saracens this coming weekend.
Flanker O’Donnell scored a lovely try himself, but it was Stander’s effort that caught the eye as he showed great speed and stamina to outsprint the Glasgow cover defence.
The 22-year-old has been recruited as a ‘special project’, with an eye on him staying for three years then going on to represent Ireland, in much the same way hooker Richardt Strauss has.
While frowned upon in some parts, clubs such as Munster aren’t afraid to admit their intentions, and Stander is one that is earmarked to make a big difference in Irish rugby over the next few years.
He said recently that he supported the Springboks when they played Ireland a few weeks back, but added that he was a little on the fence, as he does want to play for Ireland one day.
If he keeps scoring tries like this, he’ll soon become a fan favourite and have a big career ahead.
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