Garry Ringrose says that he finds something to admire in Damian de Allende’s admission that the Springboks are “desperate” to beat Ireland in the upcoming Test series.
Several senior Springboks, including Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende, have started stoking the fire for the two-Test series, that will see the two-time defending world champions look to get their first win against Ireland since 2016.
Etzebeth jabbed Ireland for their reaction to beating the Springboks at the World Cup, while De Allende accused the Irish media of disrespecting them.
When asked about the comments made by the Boks ahead of the series, Ireland centre Ringrose gave a measured response.
“No matter who you play, there’s always going to be something,” Ringrose was quoted by BBC Sport.
“If [De Allende] did say they were desperate, that desperation is certainly something I admire in how they play. The support is so passionate and you can see how they play, they’re unbelievably passionate.
“He’s a two-time World Cup winner so he can say what he likes from that perspective,” Ringrose added. “I think he’s earned it, but it’s up to us to try and prepare to win.”
MORE: Bok jabs just “white noise” to Ireland
Ringrose added that, like Ireland’s coaches, he is in no mood to play media mind games and will do his talking on the field.
“When you’re playing back-to-back World Cup champs, you don’t really pay attention to anything other than watching their games, trying to understand what they’re to do,” said Ringrose, who has beaten the Springboks twice in his Test career.
“If you get sidetracked by any of that, you end up falling victim to getting distracted or putting your energy elsewhere. It’ll be all hands on deck for preparation.”
Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images
