Stander ready to face ‘23 angry Englishmen’

CJ STANDER has warned Ireland they must prepare for ‘23 angry Englishmen’ at Twickenham on Saturday. Ireland resumed training yesterday as they prepare for their Grand Slam tilt in the home of English rugby. With excitement building, there was a sobering note sounded at the Irish camp with the news that Rob Kearney and Peter O’Mahony sat out training as they recover from the exertions of the Scotland win. Kearney hurt his ankle, while O’Mahony was treated for what appeared to be a shoulder injury in the second half of that match. Assistant coach Richie Murphy insisted both men would be fit, and that all the players involved against Scotland would be available for selection. And Stander has told Ireland

to prepare for the fury of a bruised and disappointed English side. They seek to do to Ireland what Ireland did to them a year ago, namely ruin their Grand Slam ambitions on the final day. ‘They’ll be angry with themselves for sure at how they left it out there,’ said Stander, referring to their defeats to Scotland and France. ‘It’s going to be 23 angry Englishmen for sure.’ Murphy, though, gave an indication of the bullishness within the Irish camp with his declaration that there is more to come. ‘I think there is quite a bit left,’ he said. ‘We have to focus in very hard on what we reviewed yesterday and today and now flick the switch and start planning for England.’