CJ Stander Jumps To The Defence Of Johnny Sexton

CJ Stander has jumped to the defence of “tough guy” Johnny Sexton, insisting he would never play-act.

Scotland centre Alex Dunbar was sin-binned for a reckless cleanout on Sexton at a ruck during Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash in Dublin. Scotland’s Pete Horne told referee Pascal Gauzere “he’s milking it” in reaction to Sexton’s theatrics.

CJ Stander has however jumped to the Leinster man’s defence and insists the 30-year-old is anything but a soft touch.

“Johnny always gets marked, and it’s tough for a player like that, because he always gets the big tackles, the big knocks off the ball,” said Munster flanker Stander.

“In rugby if you have an injury you stay down; if you don’t, you get straight back up.

“I’ve got massive respect for Johnny, he’s a tough guy, and a player who would never milk a penalty like that, it’s just not something he’d do.

“If he has an injury he’ll sit down, and that’s just what happened.”

Ireland now face three huge tests in South Africa in June, where they are yet to win a Test match.
South Africa-born flanker Stander starred for the Springboks Under-20s before joining Munster and chasing a Test career with Ireland through residency.

“Cape Town with the altitude will be fine, but when you go up to the Highveld the altitude it will be tough,” said Stander.

“So your fitness has to be up there, your lungs are going to burn a bit, they play a physical game and their supporters get behind them.

“And you need to play your game, keep your head down and be physical.

“You have to play your game – if they get into your head it’s going to be a long day.”