Stander shines for Munster

 

But he has vowed to save his best until the very last at the Pro12 final, with Glasgow Warriors lying in wait at the Kingspan Stadium.

 

Munster hung on to snatch a 21-18 semifinal win over the Ospreys at Thomond Park, with Josh Matavesi's last-gasp try for the visitors ruled out due to a knock-on in the build-up.

 

Denis Hurley, Simon Zebo and Paddy Butler had dotted down for the hosts but the herculean Stander was at the heart of much of their good play.

 

However the South African acknowledges that Munster must yet find another gear to stop table-topping Glasgow, who beat Ulster to reach the final on Friday, in Belfast.

 

He said: "It was difficult in the end, we gave them easy outs and they came back which just shows you have to play 80 minutes – I think we can get better for next week, it's just those small mistakes and concentration."

 

"This is what we've been playing for, I drove in and saw red flags everywhere and these are the types of games you want to play.

 

"It's going to be great to go the final and hopefully get some silverware, it's been a while and it'd be great for us to close this year on a high note." 

 

@PRO12rugby