An already-intense rivalry between Ireland and South Africa has been spiced up by comments made by the Springboks in recent weeks, with Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende among those to have stoked the flames.
De Allende spoke of how the Springboks felt “disrespected” by heavy media criticism after a crushing defeat by Ireland in Dublin in 2017, while Etzebeth said the Irish had been “arrogant” by telling South Africa’s players “see you guys in the final” at last year’s World Cup after Andy Farrell’s side won their Pool B encounter.
Ringrose, however, insists he has no appetite to engage in any pre-series commentary.
“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 two wins with Ireland over South Africa on his CV.
“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.”
When asked specifically about De Allende’s comment that South Africa are “desperate” to beat Ireland this summer, Ringrose said: “No matter who you play, there’s always going to be something.
“If he 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.”
On De Allende, Ringrose added: “He’s a two-time World Cup winner so he can say what he likes from that perspective. I think he’s earned it, but it’s up to us to try and prepare to win.”
