In the build up to every Irish rugby fixture against England, the narrative always seems to be driven towards getting the Irish players to talk about how up they are for beating England, and that's totally understandable.
We've heard it this week from Jamie Heaslip, but how does someone who wasn't born or raised in Ireland react to a question about their eagerness to get one over England?
Well, if you're CJ Stander, it makes no difference at all. When asked of what he knows about the Irish rivalry with England, Stander revealed that having spoken to his teammates, he quickly noticed that he feels exactly the same way.
I aware of it. I am South African, not Irish, but it is the same thing for South Africans.
We have a thing about England. It doesn’t matter what you play or what you do, you just want to play against them so it is good to slot in with the boys. It is something for Irish people against English teams and it is good to get that feeling from the boys.
The boys are ready for this match and that there is something different in this game.
We certainly hope there is something different in this game, as there is an air of pessimism that seems to be surrounding this weekend's Six Nations clash from an Irish perspective.
Stander has been impressive in an Irish shirt so far and has clearly endeared himself to the fans, and while he will have needed no extra incentive to be at his very best for England, we're glad he has one anyway.
via Independent.ie
