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Rugby

21st May 2017

Previously unheard audio from CJ Stander’s player mic really shows the leader he is

Such passion

Niall McIntyre

CJ Stander is a born leader.

Many rugby traditionalists are not in favour of the use of mic’s on players but when you get a result like this, they’re surely worthwhile.

Munster had a massive 23-3 victory over Ospreys on Saturday and CJ Stander was central to the province’s success.

The South African born Red has submerged himself in the province’s culture, he embodies everything that is good about Munster Rugby with his infectious encouragement and selflessness.

This Sky Sport’s player mic only proved that even further.

What passion, what character.

Stander thrives under pressure and he is a calming influence to his team-mates.

His heart is in the oven but his head is in the fridge, as Eddie O’Sullivan once said.

There is a clear example of the team spirit and morale in this Munster side with the exchange between Stander and Zebo after Zebo’s phenomenal try.

They are team mates, they are friends, they are united in their aims to progress Munster Rugby and it’ll take a brave man to bet against them in their Pro12 Final against Scarlets next Saturday.

The back row had a huge role to play in Munster’s victory with his phenomenal physicality and durability on show throughout. The man made 19 successful tackles in a game where he and his team-mates fire and determination was evident from the word go.

You can only imagine the speeches this man gives in a dressing room to rise his comrades. He’d have the hair standing on the back of their heads.

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