CJ Stander says the Springboks have written off Ireland's chances of beating them in the June Test series.

The flank starred in his adopted country's Six Nations campaign recently, and will probably travel to South Africa with the Ireland squad for three mid-year Tests against the Boks. The 25-year-old has delivered a stern warning to his former countrymen, who he believes don't see Ireland as real challengers. 

'They are writing us off over there because of a few losses here and there and because we weren't chasing the Six Nations title. I have family in South Africa, and they keep me up to date with what's going on there,' said Stander.

'They are a great team, and everyone knows that. But if you're written off and categorised as the underdogs, then that's always something extra to fight for, to prove that wrong,' he added.

Stander does, however, expect Ireland to face a serious test in their bid to beat the Boks in South Africa for the first time ever.

'In your head going down to South Africa it's going to be a big challenge, you're going to have to be very physical, they are big boys,' he concluded.

Stander, who represented South Africa at U20 level, made his debut for Ireland against Wales on 13 February.

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