When Rassie Erasmus named his squad to face Ulster without the names of Conor Murray and CJ Stander in it, Munster fans would have been forgiven for fearing the worst ahead of next week.
Munster host Saracens in the semi-final of the European Champions Cup on Saturday, April 22nd, and will no doubt be hoping that both Murray and Stander can take part in such an important fixture.
The scrum-half was injured in Ireland's Six Nations clash with Wales and has been struggling ever since, while Stander was taken off with 15 minutes left in the ECC quarter final against Toulouse with an ankle problem.
There has been no indication on Murray's status, but CJ Stander has been reassuring Munster fans that he should be good to go when Saracens come to town as he was in attendance at Thomond Park for the Ulster game. Both Ruaidhri O'Connor of the Irish Independent and Murray Kinsella of 42.ie overheard Stander's positive update.
CJ Stander pitchside at Thomond delivering some good news to the fans, confident of being available next week
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) April 15, 2017
CJ Stander interviewed in Thomond Park and says he's looking good for next weekend against Saracens. #Munster
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) April 15, 2017
@Murray_Kinsella Talked to him at the Munster training centre. He told me he is optimistic about playing next weekend
— Dan (@DaninLondon) April 15, 2017
Not even playing and all eyes are still on @CJStander ?? #MUNvULS #SUAF. pic.twitter.com/StgFnaNDrK
— Aisling Relihan (@AislingRelihan) April 15, 2017
That's reassuring, hopefully he's right and we see him return to the back row for the semi-final.
Whether or not he was simply telling Munster's match-going fans what they want to hear remains to be seen, but if there's any chance of him playing in such a massive game you know he'll do everything he can to play.
