‘Let them keep talking’ – Catt enjoying Boks rivalry

Ireland assistant Mike Catt says they won’t be distracted by the off-field narratives, as they get ready to renew their “healthy” rivalry with South Africa next month.

A 35-man squad will depart Dublin for Johannesburg tomorrow, where they will be based in the lead-up to their first Test against the world champions in Pretoria on Saturday 6 July.

Ireland have won each of their last three meetings with the Springboks, most recently in the pool stage of the 2023 World Cup, when Ireland edged out the South Africans 13-8 in Paris.

Rassie Erasmus’ side got the last laugh, however, as they recovered to go and win the tournament for a record fourth time, while Ireland’s World Cup once again ended in the quarter-finals, beaten by New Zealand.

The rivalry between the sides has been ramped up in recent months, with Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth accusing Ireland’s players of complacency after that win in Pool B, while former Munster centre Damian de Allende has also stoked the flames by saying his side are still motivated by a lack of respect from the Irish media, following Ireland’s 2017 win in this fixture in Dublin.

Ireland attack coach Catt, who was born in South Africa, says his side won’t be getting involved in any mind games, but believes it’s adding to an already exciting rivalry.

“The rivalry’s been good, that’s what you want at Test level, it’s why you play the game,” Catt (below) said.

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

“For us it’s not a problem. People can say what they want, it means nothing to us, it’s something we don’t particularly worry about.

“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.”

All 35 members of the squad are due to travel to South Africa, with Catt confirming everyone is expected to train fully this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s departure.

The squad assembled last Thursday, which was a few days ahead of schedule following Munster and Leinster’s surprise defeats in the BKT United Rugby Championship semi-finals.

And Catt said he doesn’t expect the disappointment from the club season to fester into the international window.

“For us it was fine, we got an extra two days to perform. So, get over it and let’s get up and go again.

“I think you have to understand that this squad has been around a long time now. They fully understand, as do the coaches, what it’s about.

“You don’t dwell, you don’t mope around, you get on with it and like I say, the challenge is real for us, so it’s about making sure we put our best foot forward and go and perform.

“Get over what’s happened in the past and let’s go and do it,” he added.

There’s been considerable change to the Boks set-up since the World Cup, with head coach Jacques Nienaber departing for Leinster, and Felix Jones joining Steve Borthwick’s backroom team at England.

Former Ireland international Jerry Flannery has linked up with South Africa as their new defence coach, while experienced New Zealander Tony Brown is now in charge of their attack.

“I think we have a clear understanding of what their strengths are. How to manipulate those strengths into our favour, it’s something that we need to get right in two weeks’ time,” said Catt, who is leaving his role in the IRFU after this summer tour.

“We know what they’re bringing, there’s a lot of emotion, a lot of physicality and they’re exceptionally good rugby players. We need to make sure we understand how we can try and turn them over.”

While Ireland have already been through a Six Nations campaign since the World Cup, the Springboks played their first Test of the year on Saturday, beating Wales 41-13 in a comfortable win at Twickenham.

With Cheslin Kolbe ruled out due to injury, Lions wing Edwill van der Merwe (above) made his case for a place in the team against Ireland by scoring a try and being named Player of the Match, while out-half Jordan Hendrikse also earned a first cap in the starting team with Stormers pair Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ben-Jason Dixon making debuts off the bench.

“Again, it’s a new coaching staff in South Africa too. We’ve got a few new changes, so it is a little bit different, but it’s exciting and it’s why we play the game.

“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.

“The young boys coming in, came off the bench got their first caps and were electric. Then the old heads, your Pieter Steph du Toit, Jesse Kriel and those guys are world class. We need to make sure that we understand how we can try and put one over them,” Catt added.

Follow our live blogs of Ireland’s Test series against South Africa (6 and 23 July) on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, and listen to live commentary of both Tests on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1