The last time the two teams clashed, last July in Durban, Ireland beat the Boks by 25-24, but the Bok duo said on Tuesday previous results between the teams were history.

The Test – the penultimate in the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour – kicks off at 19h40 (SA time) on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

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.”

Williams concurred with Du Toit on the suggestion that this would be a grudge match.

“We focus on each game the same way regardless of who we play – we approach each week on its own,” said the Bok scrumhalf, who may line up against Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park this weekend, someone Williams spoke of highly as a player and what he brings to the team.

“He’s up there with the best scrumhalves in the world at the moment, and his influence on the game is fantastic. If I get selected to play this weekend, it will be a good battle.”

Grant Williams scores under the uprights against France.

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.”

Du Toit also lauded Ox Nche, one of three Springboks along with Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit included on the four-player shortlist for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award.

Nche is the prop to be nominated for the award, and Du Toit was very proud of his fellow front-ranker, who was ruled out of the tour due to an injury he sustained in the opener against Japan.

“Ox is a special person and an incredible rugby player, and I’m grateful that he’s getting the recognition,” said Du Toit.

“I think everyone knows what a great player he is and the way he plays the game. So, to get this type of recognition, I’m very glad for him, and if I could have it my way, I’d like to see him win the award.”

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will name his matchday squad for the encounter on Thursday.