'Let them keep talking': Catt shares his view on Bok comments

SPOTLIGHT: 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 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.”

Source: Irish Independent