Kleyn will not let controversy affect him, says Stander
South Africa-born No8 backed to defy critics Ireland climb to top of world rankings with win
CJ Stander, the Ireland No 8, has backed second row Jean Kleyn to brush off any criticism regarding his selection for the World Cup.
Kleyn is one of four locks selected by Ireland for Japan and won only his third cap in the 19-10 victory over Wales on Saturday. Long-term lock Devin Toner was left out of Joe Schmidt’s 31-man squad, while Kleyn made his debut for Ireland against Italy last month, in the same week the South Africaborn lock qualified to play on residency.
Stander and Ireland centre Bundee Aki, now established members of the first team who played key roles in 2018’s Grand Slam triumph, were also met with scepticism after qualifying to play for Ireland.
“It is a tough thing. There are a lot of positives, but you always look at the negative ones. It’s just one or two,” Stander said. “I think he works hard. It’s the same thing with Bundee. Just make sure you keep your head down, work hard, perform for the jersey and show it means something to you. It means a lot to Bundee and Jean to be in that green jersey.
“[Kleyn] is someone who puts his head down and works massively hard. He is very aggressive in the game, very physical.
“He works hard to make sure he earns his spot. He is a guy who switches off completely from [outside criticism] and makes sure that he brings his best on the weekend.
“He played unbelievably well. The team played well around him.”
Saturday’s win over Wales elevated Ireland to the No1 spot in the world rankings for the first time, not that Stander was paying much attention. The new father was on to nappy duty after coming off the field, following his baby daughter’s first match at the Aviva Stadium.
“[Having her here] was a great moment. It’s been a big change over the last few weeks. I was very emotional before the game as well. It’s something I never thought was going to happen,” Stander said.
“[The rankings], I don’t know how they work. We’ve been playing well over the last few years. We have been disappointed in the last few games this year, but I think we worked hard. We’re happy with the performance. We just focus on what we can do and what we can improve on.”
Stander played a pivotal role in setting up Rob Kearney’s opening try for Ireland, powering his way through Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell with the kind of carry that he has been looking to unleash during the World Cup warm-up matches.
“Yeah, I haven’t had a good few carries in the last few weeks. I have got a bit of a lashing from people outside,” Stander admitted. “But look, when the team works hard, we get momentum. It’s difficult for the defence to get around the corner and that’s just what I want to do for the team – get them on the front foot and enjoy those carries.”
Unfortunately for Patchell that moment resulted in him leaving the field after 23 minutes to undergo a head injury assessment, which he did not pass. Patchell suffered two concussions last season and lost 48 hours of memory after another concussion in 2015.
Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, spoke confidently about Patchell’s prospects of travelling with the squad to Japan on Wednesday, but time is short, with Dan Biggar and Jarrod Evans the other two fly-halves in the squad.
“Just an HIA. He’ll be assessed over the next few days,” said Gatland. “He seemed OK. He’ll be fine for the World Cup. We’ll talk to the medics about that.”
Wales are already without No 1 fly-half Gareth Anscombe for the World Cup after he suffered an ACL injury in Wales’s first warm-up match against England in August.
Scores 5-0 Kearney try; 7-0 Sexton con; 7-3 Halfpenny pen; 7-8 Parkes try; 7-10 Halfpenny con; 12-10 Furlong try; 14-10 Sexton con; 19-10 Ryan try.
Ireland R Kearney; J Larmour, R Henshaw, B Aki, K Earls (G Ringrose); J Sexton (J Carty 63), C Murray (L Mcgrath 71); C Healy (D Kilcoyne 40), R Best (S Cronin 52), T Furlong (A Porter 56), J Ryan, J Kleyn (I Henderson 52), CJ Stander, J van der Flier (R Ruddock 59), J Conan.
Wales L Halfpenny (L Williams 66); G North, J Davies, H Parkes, J Adams; R Patchell (D Biggar), T Williams (G Davies 69); W Jones (N Smith 59), E Dee (K Owens 59), T Francis (D Lewis 59), J Ball (A Beard 74), A W Jones, A Wainwright, J Tipuric, R Moriarty (J Navidi 59).
Referee M Raynal (France).