‘Keep talking’ – Ireland coach and England legend on potential Springboks comments

Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt has warned the Springboks that any potential mind games in the lead-up to their two-Test series would not affect their squad.

Andy Farrell’s men will travel to Johannesburg today and face the World Cup holders on July 6 at Loftus Versfeld before the second Test at Kings Park on July 13.

Previously there have been comments about the sides’ rivalry from Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende, but Catt insists it “doesn’t fuel anything”.

‘It means nothing to us’

“People can say what they want. It means nothing to us. It’s something we don’t particularly worry about,” the former England full-back and centre told reporters.

“Let them keep talking. It’s not a problem. It doesn’t fuel anything. It doesn’t make it any or worse. We know exactly what we need to do to go down there and be successful.”

Despite being back-to-back World Cup winners, South Africa have found the going tough against Ireland, losing the last five of seven games between the two sides.

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The most recent clash came at the global event in France where Ireland won 13-8 in the pool stages, leading to Etzebeth saying the Irish were “arrogant” afterwards.

The Springboks, of course, recovered and went on to lift the trophy in Paris as Catt believes the nations’ rivalry is healthy and he is relishing the upcoming series.

“The rivalry’s been good, that’s what you want at Test level, it’s why you play the game,” he continued.

“We’ve been pretty successful over the past three times we’ve played them, they’re champing at the bit.

“There’s been a lot said in the press and this and that. It’s getting rid of all the white noise. What’s important for us is to put in a hell of a performance, and go and challenge to win a series down in South Africa.

“It’s healthy, you want that rivalry. You want that – not hatred – but whatever it is that stirs it all up. It’s good.”

The South African-born coach added: “It’s exciting to go and challenge yourself against the best in the world.

“That’s the opportunity these guys have got. Hopefully we can go make the most of it.”

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