The world’s second ranked Ireland won’t be dwelling on the past as they prepare to head to South Africa to face the World Champions in a two-Test series.

The last big away series by the Irish saw them stunning the All Blacks 2-1 in New Zealand back in 2022.

The Irish won’t be looking back at that series, but they rather want to prove that they are the world’s best team.

It will be important for the Irish to forget about their win against the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup in France, and rather focus on the now. There are many who still feel the Boks were undeserving of the a fourth World Cup title as they had lost to the Irish in the pool games.

The South African-born Irish assistant coach, Mike Catt, said they have to bring their A game while also using their opponents strengths against them.

“We’ve been pretty successful over the past three times we’ve played them, they’re champing at the bit,” said the former England international.

“We know what they’re bringing, there’s a lot of emotion, physicality, and they’re exceptionally good rugby players.

“I think we have a clear understanding of what their strengths are. How to manipulate those strengths into our favour, it’s something that we need to get right in two weeks’ time.

“It’s exciting to go and challenge yourself against the best in the world.

“That’s the opportunity these guys have got. Hopefully we can go make the most of it.”

The first Test at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria will be played on 6 July.

Ireland squad for Springbok series:

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu, Oli Jager, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier

Backs: Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Robbie Henshaw, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale

Morgan Piek OFM Sport