Comment
Damian de Allende’s build-up to his 100th Test for the Springboks may have been overshadowed by the pre-game exchanges between the Boks and All Blacks, but one of South Africa’s most decorated centres will embrace the milestone in one of the biggest matches of his career.
While the focus will be on a team performance to celebrate the occasion in the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, De Allende has a crucial role to play in the midfield as he becomes just the 10th Springbok to reach 100 Test caps, particularly in stopping New Zealand’s sharp attack.
De Allende has walked a mostly smooth journey with the Boks over the last almost 12 years since his debut in October 2014 against Argentina in the Rugby Championship. While he started out as a No 13, over the years he has established himself as the Boks’ premier inside centre, winning two World Cups in the process.
It is a remarkable achievement for a player who has often gone about his business away from the spotlight.
De Allende has never been the loudest voice on the field or the flashiest of players with attention on him, but his value to the world champions has been immense and nearly irreplaceable over the last two World Cup campaigns.
With the combination of physicality, direct running with the ball, aggressive defence and the ability to create space for players on his inside and outside, it has made him a key component of the Bok midfield for more than a decade. His understanding with outside centre Jessé Kriel is the glue in the backline, and the pair has gone on to become the most experienced midfield combination in Test rugby for South Africa.
That experience will be invaluable as the Boks begin Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at Ellis Park, with New Zealand set to test De Allende and the defensive system from the first whistle.
De Allende will be expected to bring his trademark physicality to the contest, but his role will go beyond simply stopping runners. The All Blacks have plenty of attacking threats in the midfield and wider channels, and De Allende’s ability to read the game, make the right defensive decisions and shut down space will be critical.
At the other end of the field, his direct carrying can also give the Boks valuable front-foot ball on the attack and put the Kiwis under massive pressure. Over the last few years, he’s also developed a keen eye for finding space with his kicks. So, that extra arrow in his quiver could be crucial for the home side and their attacking plan.
Apart from a World Cup, the occasion at Ellis Park could not be a more fitting one for De Allende to bring up 100 Tests.
Clashes against the All Blacks have been central to some of the defining moments of his international career, especially during the World Cups, and the victories in 2019 and 2023 have placed him amongst the greats of SA rugby.
Now, as he reaches another remarkable milestone, the midfielder will hope his 100th is not just remembered as a massive solo achievement, but that it brings another victory for the Springboks over their greatest rivals.
