Damian de Allende’s rugby is built on power, but Rassie Erasmus believes it is his understanding of the game that has made the Springboks‘ centre one of the most valuable players of his generation.
De Allende will become the 10th Springbok to reach 100 Test caps when he runs out against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, an achievement that has earned him lavish praise from coach Rassie Erasmus and fullback Damian Willemse.
Erasmus first encountered De Allende when he was Stormers director of rugby and the young centre was making his mark in Super Rugby.
“I can tell you from a coaching perspective, when I saw him the first time, I didn’t know him that well,” Erasmus said. “But when he started playing Super Rugby against guys like Sonny Bill Williams – and I’m a big Sonny Bill fan – Damian showed me his class.
“He was one of the few guys that really could handle Sonny Bill Williams. I’m talking attack, defence and offloads. And he’s a very physical guy.”
There was, Erasmus revealed, another side to their relationship.
“Me and him actually had an interesting scuffle one day,” he said with a smile. “He’s a really tough guy. He doesn’t stand back for people. But then he’s a very reserved, quiet guy, too.”
It is that combination of toughness and composure that Willemse has come to appreciate during his time alongside De Allende in the Springbok set-up.
“He’s a real character,” Willemse said. “As the coach said, he’s very reserved. But he knows how to get the team going. He never takes any praise.
“As the coach said, he’s been vice-captain for us and stepped up in big games and played big roles for us.”
Erasmus believes De Allende’s real strength is something less obvious than the physicality that has become his trademark.
“People think his skill is his physicality,” he said. “But it’s actually his understanding of the game, and his passing and knowing when to get involved in the game.”
His leadership, too, has often gone under the radar.
“He’s been vice-captain a heck of a lot, and people are not really aware of that because you don’t see him on the field talking a lot,” Erasmus said.
For Willemse, there is also admiration for De Allende’s extraordinary reliability.
“He is always available to train, to play,” he said. “I’m not sure when the last time was that he missed a Test match or even a training session.”
And the respect extends well beyond the rugby field.
“He’s just a really world-class player, and I’m very proud of him,” Willemse said. “I’m sure his hometown of Milnerton will be very proud of him.
“It is also the way he has developed off the field as well as a man. He’s now a father and a family man.
“So, yeah, we’re all really proud of Damian, and we’ll obviously go out to make him proud. It’s a special occasion, and his road to 100 caps has been exceptional.
