Ireland forward CJ Stander believes the teams chances of winning the three-Test tour of South Africa have been dismissed by the host nation. The South Africa-born player revealed the Springboks are extremely confident of success following Irelands poor showing in the Six Nations. The 2014 and 2015 Six Nations champions had to settle for third place this year after winning just two from five matches, following a frustrating World Cup quarter-final exit to Argentina last autumn.Stander left his native South Africa for Munster in 2012 after being told he was too small to play back-row for the Springboks, and now believes Ireland must battle home expectations on tour this summer.I have the family in South Africa, and they keep me up to date with whats going on there, said Stander. Stander defends Sexton CJ Stander insists tough guy Johnny Sexton would never play-act They are writing us off over there because of a few losses here and there, and because we werent chasing the Six Nations title.In your head going down to South Africa its going to be a big challenge, youre going to have to be very physical, they are big boys.They are a great team, and everyone knows that. But if youre written off and categorised as the underdogs, then thats always something extra to fight for, to prove that wrong.So theres both sides to the story. Also See: Stander defends Sexton Stuart Barnes 6N review Best: We can win in South Africa Clinical Ireland down Scotland Gareth Bale Wales Jersey . "Hes going to have hip surgery on Jan. 7, and hell be expected to rehabilitate for four to six months beyond that," Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said Friday in an interview. Joe Ledley Wales Jersey . It was hard for Luck to pull off another comeback, or even get into the end zone, while standing on the sideline. Rivers threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to rookie Keenan Allen and Nick Novak kicked four field goals to give the Chargers a 19-9 victory against the Colts on Monday night. http://www.soccerwalesstore.com/joe-allen-wales-UEFA-EURO-jersey/ . Denis Coderre, the former federal MP who was elected mayor on Nov. 3, has drawn the ire of some Montreal Canadiens. During last nights game he tweeted: "Hello? Can we get a one-way ticket to (minor-league) Hamilton for David Desharnais please. Custom Wales Soccer Jerseys . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. Wales Soccer Jerseys . Ryan Garbutt had a goal and two assists as Dallas snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. There were some fantastic performances in the Aviva Premiership this weekend -- but who was your Player of the Weekend? Vote in our poll below.Kahn Fotualii (Bath)Fotualii was key for Bath in victory over Gloucester, winning the battle against Greig Laidlaw. He did so through accurate box-kicking, quick passing and picking the right option for both Bath tries.Will Addison (Sale)Addison notched six successful efforts with the boot to help Sale secure a narrow victory over Leicester.Cameron Neild (Sale)Neild was excellent against the imposing figure of Mike Williams to continue his improvemeent, and help Sale to a win against the Tigers.dddddddddddd.Nathan Hughes (Wasps)A storming display from powerhouse Hughes was a central factor as Wasps thrashed Harlequins 47-18.Louis Picamoles (Northampton)The French No.8 put in a typically dynamic and powerful performance from the back of the scrum in a tight win against Exeter.George Kruis (Saracens)Kruis had an excellent all-round game for Saracens as they comfortably defeated Bristol 39-0 on Friday night. ' ' '