'Let them keep talking' - Mike Catt claps back over Bok remarks

Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt says some of the spicy comments coming from Bok stars in recent months will not add any fuel to the fire ahead of next month’s two-Test series in South Africa.

The Boks and Ireland will do battle at Loftus Versfeld on July 6 before the second Test at Kings Park in Durban on July 13.

Ahead of the series, centre Damian de Allende - speaking to RugbyPass - accused the Irish media of disrespecting the Boks, while Eben Etzebeth believes that the Irish were a bit arrogant after their win during last year’s World Cup Pool stages.

Catt believes those comments won’t help anyone when it is time to go on the field.

“For us, it’s not a problem,” Catt told Irish media on Monday.

“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.”

He added: “We know exactly what we need to do to go down there and be successful.

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

“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.”

The Boks team which triumphed 41-13 against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday was scheduled to return to South Africa on Sunday night. Several delays led to the cancellation of their flight late on Sunday night which forced the team to stay in London for an extra night.