CJ Stander’s Emotional Words Following Yesterday’s Historic Game

Following a simply sensational performance by Munster yesterday in honour of the late Anthony Foley, the former head coach’s two sons, Tony and Dan, joined the players on the pitch.

Tony and Dan stood shoulder to shoulder with Munster players, between Rory Scannell and CJ Stander, for a rousing rendition of ‘Stand Up And Fight’.

Following the game, Munster flanker CJ Stander had some powerful words in an interview with the Irish Independent;

It’s great to have the boys on the field. I am thinking of Olive, his wife. Everyone deals with emotion differently. I didn’t cry much through the week. But when I saw them coming onto the field, that is when I broke down.

The next few years will be tough for them losing a father. He meant the world to them, the next few years will be tough.

Stander also said that Munster played on Saturday as Foley wanted them to.

It was a very, very tough week. I am very proud of the team. A lot of the boys turned into men this week.

Rassie said, ‘We have to play the way Axel wanted us to play’. Today, we performed the way he wanted us to play three years ago.

He taught us everything and we never really enjoyed ourselves and managed to do that. This is only going to be the start and we need to kick on from here, next year especially.

The way the young players played was his legacy. Peter took a big load off me, when he talks you listen. He brings physicality and leadership.

He didn’t smile much but when we got the maul try, he may have smiled.