Springboks' Test centurion De Allende’s secret weapon is more than brute force, says Rassie
From handling Sonny Bill Williams in Super Rugby to reaching a century of Test caps, we look at how Damian de Allende became one of South Africa's most revered players.
Damian de Allende’s rugby prowess is not solely rooted in brute force, according to Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus. Erasmus acknowledges that the centre’s true strength lies in his deep understanding of the game and his exceptional passing ability. During their initial encounter when De Allende was still with the Stormers, Erasmus was impressed by the young player's ability to handle top-tier opposition like Sonny Bill Williams in Super Rugby.
Aside from his physicality, Erasmus has noticed a reserved and composed demeanor in De Allende, which adds to his value on the field. Fullback Damian Willemse, who has played alongside De Allende, also attributes the Springbok vice-captain's success to his ability to inspire and lead the team, even when he rarely seeks recognition for his efforts.
De Allende's reliability, consistency, and maturity off the field, including his status as a father, have earned him admiration from his teammates and coach alike. His journey to reach the 100 Test cap milestone against the All Blacks on Saturday will be met with pride and respect from all.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
