Thomas du Toit rubbishes claims of a grudge match against Ireland

Ireland beat the Boks 25-24 in Durban in a nailbiting encounter the last time the two sides met earlier this year.

South Africa also haven't won a Test in Dublin since 2012, leading to suggestions the Boks would be out for revenge this weekend.

However, according to Du Toit, that could not be further from the truth, with the Springboks treating the game against Ireland the same as every other Test they have played this season.

"The media would like to paint it that way (that it's a grudge match), but we don't see it as such," he said.

"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.

"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 is also expecting his experience of playing in the United Kingdom with the English club Bath to prove valuable in the cold and wet conditions expected on Saturday.

"It was a game changer for my personal game (to play in the UK)," he said.

"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."

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