CJ Stander relishes do-or-die rugby as he welcomes return of Keith Earls

Munster forward CJ Stander says that Saturday's crunch Champions Cup match against Saracens is the sort of cup rugby encounter that players want to experience when they join the province.

Successive defeats to Clermont Auvergne may have their backs against the wall but the South African says this is when the province are at their best.

“It is cup rugby. We have to win the next two games. Saracens are a great team and they play great rugby. That bonus point against Clermont is important – at the end of the day any point is good for you.

“We are going out there to play our game and at the end of the day win the game.

“It is cup rugby – if we don’t win that game we can say goodbye. It is important for us to do the thing we have done previous this year.

“Get the points and get back to Thomond Park and go from there,” he said.

Stander won his fourth man-of-the-match award in the 31-7 bonus point win over Zebre in Parma on Saturday and he believes that leaves them in a good mindset as they prepare to head to London.

Got mucky

“First half was good, the second half just got mucky.

“Small mistakes here and there from both sides, so it slowed down a bit.

“We wanted to play a tempo game but that is the way it happens.

“We just wanted to come out and get the win, the four points – the bonus point is extra. It is going to help us at the end of the season in the table and it is good to get a win before the Champions Cup.

“It was just a matter of keep on doing what you are doing. Play the Munster way now and get around the corners – keep it in their 22.

Boost

Stander said the whole squad got a boost when Keith Earls was passed fit to make his first appearance of the season, while the return of Irish prop James Cronin from a shoulder injury is also a boost.

“They had a great impact. They came on in the second half, they brought that flair, Jamesie in the scrum, he is a strong scrummager.

“Earlsy, to have him back is good. You look around and you see Earlsy, you know he is a magic man. It is good to see him back. It has been a long road for him and I am delighted for him,” added Stander.