CJ Stander's commitment to the Irish jersey is undoubted after what concluded as a moderate Six Nations campaign for Joe Schmidt's side.
Injuries to some key players, namely Iain Henderson and Peter O'Mahony, ushered in the South African-born back row's introduction perhaps a little bit quicker than the Ireland head coach would have liked.
The lack of a settling in period did not matter to Stander. In his first game against Wales, he won Man of the Match. Throughout the tournament, he put up some monster stats in the carries category.
Even prior to the kick-off against Wales, Stander had won many over by learning the words of Amhrán na bhFiann - with the aid of Donnacha Ryan.
That game against Wales was his international debut, undoubtedly an emotional moment for him.
According to Keith Earls, Stander was no less emotional on Saturday. The Munster winger told The Irish Sun of his teammate's passion in the huddle pre-game.
You’d swear he was born and raised in Limerick now, he loves the place and he’s really passionate about Munster and extremely passionate about playing for Ireland.
He was in tears in the huddle and that motivates you to show what it means — when you see the reaction for another man to come in from another country to put on our jersey.
He’s just a passionate man, he puts himself on the line 100 per cent, no matter what he’s going to do.
He’s delighted with the way Irish people have taken to him and he wants to repay them.
