'Let them keep talking' - Mike Catt enjoying Ireland's 'healthy' rivalry with South Africa

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 on 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