Ireland number eight CJ Stander says that he’s preparing for the biggest game of his career next weekend ahead of Ireland’s Grand Slam decider against England in London.
Ireland will take on an English side that is coming off back-to-back losses following consecutive defeats to Scotland and then France.
England’s 22-16 defeat in Paris on Saturday handed Ireland their third Six Nations title in the last five years, but Stander is now focused on trying to make sure he’s apart of the first side to win a Grand Slam since Declan Kidney’s 2009 team achieved the feat in Cardiff in 2009.
“Yeah for sure,” said Stander.
“I think there’s an opportunity to create something for ourselves as a group. Each individual player has a chance and for some of us it’s our first Six Nations and they’ve only played a few games.
“I think it is the biggest game but preparation wise I think we just need to keep the head down, make sure we train well and get into the team and then go for it on Saturday.”
Stander also praised Schmidt as the best coach he’s worked under and added that the players want to play for the New Zealander.
“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had,” added the Munster backrower.
“He’s a guy that demands greatness all the time and he demands everyone to be the best week in and week out.
“You want to perform for the lads and you want to perform for him. He’s a guy that asks you to pay attention to everything you do to make sure you’re prepared mentally and physically for the game and that’s the difference with him.”
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