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Rugby

10th Apr 2017

Munster may have found the perfect solution to worrying CJ Stander injury

The facial expression of the fans says it all

Sean McMahon

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to this.

Munster fans and supporters are currently sweating over CJ Stander’s availability for their crucial Champions Cup semi-final against Saracens at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday week.

The 27-year-old exited the fray last weekend in Munster’s clash with Toulouse at Thomond Park.

The South-African left the pitch prematurely with an ankle injury and the latest update from Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, will be of huge concern.

Stander won’t play a part this weekend and is doubtful for the last four European clash.

However, Munster fans will be buoyed by the performances put in by the back-row in their victory over Glasgow at the weekend.

Conor Oliver was immense and deservedly won the man-of-the-match award.

The youngster beat three defenders while racking up an impressive 17 carries.

Meanwhile, short-term signing Jean Deysel, was electric from the off and put in some extremely powerful carries which endeared himself to the Munster faithful.

The reaction of these young supporters tell you all you need to know.

Fitness may be an issue for Deysel as he faded a little as the game wore on but Munster will be hopeful that he can improve on this over the coming weeks.

The 32-year-old made another monstrous carry soon after the one above which led to James Cronin touching down for Munster’s only try of the game.

A positive for Munster fans is that Deysel can play in both the back-row and second-row so he adds a layer of versatility which will be of huge benefit.

It looks to be another bit of shrewd business by Erasmus but Munster will nevertheless be hoping that their talisman Stander will regain his fitness in time for Saracens.

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