Ireland loose forward CJ Stander believes incoming coach Johann van Graan will be a natural fit at Munster.
Van Graan will vacate his post as Springbok assistant coach after this week in order to officially take over from outgoing Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.
Stander told the Irish Times that he expected it to be a seamless transition.
‘I think he’s the type of guy who will come in and slot in straight away. He’s the type of guy who will come in with his way of playing, but he will adapt. I think we’ll push on from there. I think he’s the best fit out there. Coach-wise, he’s between Rassie and Jacques [in terms of] personality, so that’s perfect.’
Stander started in Ireland’s impressive win over the Springboks last Saturday, and said that performance was based on a clear understanding of their game plan.
‘I just think it was a collective mentality. We went out there and made sure that, firstly, we knew our job, and secondly that we played for each other, made sure we were mentally switched on for the full 80 minutes to not give them any ins at all.
‘I think our defence was one of the best I’ve seen so far. We gave a few penalties away that we shouldn’t have, but we said we were going to play the game the way we liked to, the way we want to perform.’
Photo: Diarmuid Greene/Getty Images
