Stander prepared for Munster back-row battle

The versatile 24-year-old was awarded man of the match against Scarlets last weekend as he helped Munster to their fourth triumph of the season with a 17-6 victory at Thomond Park.

Yet the South African faces fierce competition to retain his spot in Anthony Foley's side following captain Peter O'Mahony's return from injury to reclaim his blindside berth and the stellar form of Tommy O'Donnell at openside.

Stander will also have to contend with summer signing Robin Copeland to keep the No.8 jersey he occupied against Scarlets but the forward is determined to prove his worth both on and off the field.

"I will forget about the man of the match award," Stander told the Irish Examiner. "The competition in the back row is tough and I just want to keep my head down and work hard.

"Pete [O'Mahony] is back and he playing great rugby and Tommy [O'Donnell] is playing unbelievable too.

"Then you have guys like Sean Dougall, Paddy Butler also playing great rugby and Robin Copeland is a machine. There are about six guys there - it is fierce in the back row.

"With a lot of great loose forwards it is tough to keep that jersey. I made a few mistakes at the weekend and you have to perform week in and week out in this position.

"My work rate has picked up a lot during the season and for me carrying is a strong point. It is good to get the ball in my hand and carry forward."

Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12