CJ Stander’s humble reaction to his call-up means Ireland are in good hands

Before you can ask CJ Stander a question you must wait until he has shaken the hand of every man and woman in the media scrum.

For those of us that have been fortunate enough to chat with Stander after Munster games, it is standard practice. A show of respect. Stander is delighted to finally be in the Irish set-up. Having been born and raised in South Africa, you could hardly call it a lifelong dream. However, his selection for the Six Nations squad is just reward for a journey he decided upon as a young man, back in 2012. Stander had just turned 22 when he made a life-altering decision - to leave friends and family, travel 9,400 kilometres, settle in Limerick and chase the dream of playing Test rugby. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, Jean-Marie Neethling, who became his wife in 2013. At that stage, Stander was in and out of the Munster XV as Rob Penney tinkered with an expansive game-plan that often frustrated the Munster faithful. Since Anthony Foley took over from Penney, Stander's stock has risen immeasurably. So much so that his Ireland call-up was seen as a certainty. https://www.instagram.com/p/BBIJ1_cFVf2/?taken-by=sportsjoedotie However, do not think for a moment that Stander is taking anything for granted. "It was a great feeling and it’s something I worked hard towards," Stander tells us. "It’s good to get that call and good to get the recognition. Now, after getting into the squad, I need to put up my hand this week and show what I can do." Asked how much finally being involved in the Irish set-up after three years of hard yakka, Stander positively beams. His face flushes as he tries to tell us how much it means to him. Stander says:

"I'm very excited all week. I'm walking around with a smile. My heart is pumping every time I get to put on the jersey, this Irish gear. "I worked hard for this opportunity. I am very passionate about this team. I... like, it is going to be difficult to keep it [the emotions] in on my game. I can't even describe; it is something I am very passionate about. "I worked really hard for just to put my hand up and get in the team. We will see on the day but I can't really say what will happen on the day."

Stander puffs out his cheeks and composes himself. For a moment, you almost feel sorry for the men he will come crashing into contact with in this Six Nations. For a moment.