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CJ Stander is exactly what the Lions need against New Zealand, says Brian O'Driscoll

New Zealand's centre Malakai Fekitoa (L) takes on Ireland's flanker CJ Stander in November
Image: New Zealand's centre Malakai Fekitoa takes on Ireland's flanker CJ Stander in November

Brian O’Driscoll believes CJ Stander is exactly the type of player the Lions will need when they take on New Zealand this summer.

The South African-born back-row has been a revelation since joining Munster from the Blue Bulls in 2012 and has won 12 caps for Ireland since making his debut in the 2016 Six Nations.

Equally at home playing No 6 or No 8, Stander showcased his dynamic ball-carrying ability as he scored a hat-trick during Ireland's 63-10 rout over Italy last weekend.

O'Driscoll believes Stander, 26, has developed into a world-class loose forward and thinks the Springboks will be annoyed to have lost him due to concerns over his size five years ago.

"I've been massively impressed with him," O'Driscoll told Independent.ie.

Ireland's CJ Stander goes onto scores his side second try
Image: CJ Stander scored a hat-trick against Italy last weekend

"I'll be brutally honest, I didn't know that he would be the player that he has become. I'm sure the South Africans are absolutely spewing about losing a world-class player.

"From a Lions perspective, he is absolutely in the mix. He is exactly what you need to take on a big Kiwi pack."

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Stander qualifies to play for Ireland through the three-year residency rule. He was signed by the Irish Rugby Football Union as a "project player" who would qualify for the national side on residency.

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Though he has quickly established himself as one of the first names on Joe Schmidt's team sheet after a series of outstanding displays, sceptics remain.

Some feel Stander is blocking the progress of Irish-born players, especially given Ireland's wealth of options in the back row.

Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll warms up ahead of the Six Nations clash against Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin
Image: Brian O'Driscoll won 141 Test caps for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions

However, though O'Driscoll admits he would like to see the three-year residency rule amended, he feels Ireland are lucky to have Stander.

"CJ has made the most of the circumstances that still exist and good luck to him," O'Driscoll said.

"He felt he wasn't going to make the grade in South Africa. I personally think three years is too short but I wouldn't knock CJ or Bundee Aki [of Connacht] who want to play for a team that isn't the country of their birth or where they grew up because it is an opportunity to play international rugby."

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All 10 games of the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand will be shown live on Sky Sports, starting June 3 2017.

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