Springbok prop Thomas du Toit shot down talk by the local media that the Boks could approach Saturday’s Test against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium at 19:40 (SA Team) as a grudge match.
Du Toit said: “The media would like to paint it that way (that it’s a grudge match), but we don’t see it as such. In the last couple of matches and months, we’ve put every game into individual boxes, rather than thinking about the past too much, regardless of the result.
“So, for myself and the team, we certainly don’t feel that way. We are, however, putting a massive emphasis on this week, as we have for all the other games.”
Commenting on the different challenges Ireland posed to the other opposition the Boks have faced on tour so far, Du Toit said: “There are a couple of things that could be similar to what we faced against France and Italy, as they are both incredibly physical sides. But the one thing that could differ is Ireland’s structured game.
“From my time playing over here in the UK, they really understand their game very well, as well as their general play, and set-piece plays, and they know who they want to target, so that’s probably going to be different.
“But we’ll do our homework as best we can to be as prepared as possible on the day.”
du Toit, meanwhile, admitted that having played his rugby at English club Bath would be valuable this weekend, especially with the cold and wet conditions they’ve experienced so far this week.
“It was a game changer for my personal game (to play in the UK),” said Du Toit.
“I’ve learned so much over the last two-and-a-half years, and playing in this type of weather week in and week out is important, especially in a game like this.”