Cape Town – Damian De Allende shone brightest on a cold and gloomy day at Newlands.
The star of the man from the Stormers just keeps on rising, and he warmed the hearts of the sparse Newlands crowd with another powerful performance against the World XV in the Springboks’ first match of their international season.
The inside centre was outstanding in Super Rugby, and on Saturday he picked up where he left off last month by scoring two fantastic tries in the Boks’ 46-10 win.
Obviously, this match was about as competitive as an outing in the garden, and De Allende’s biggest test in the No12 jersey will come over the next fortnight against Australia and New Zealand. But he is going to make it difficult for captain Jean de Villiers to regain his beloved No12 jersey.
De Allende played a couple of Tests at outside centre last year, and didn’t quite perform to the best of his ability. But at 12, he could be South Africa’s next superstar, because of his physical attributes, as well as his skill.
“I always felt that 12 is his best position. The 12 needs to be a distributor, but the way we play, also a guy who can set up the ball,” Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said after the match.
“With Jean there, it’s always difficult. But Jean has played 13 as well, with Jan (Serfontein) at 12 last year. We have some depth there.”
World XV coach Robbie Deans was also impressed by De Allende’s performance, although doesn’t see any difference between him and De Villiers playing either inside or outside centre.
“Jean has had a lot of history at 13, I don’t know about Damian,” the former Crusaders and Wallaby coach said.
“It doesn’t really matter when they both play out there. A bloke like Jean will provide a lot of leadership, and playing alongside him will be comfortable. He will make sure of it.”
However, Meyer says De Allende’s all-round ability makes him the prime candidate to wear the No12 jersey while De Villiers makes his way back to full fitness.
“There’s always a question if a guy can take the step up after performing well in Super Rugby. But Damian has really developed well,” Meyer reasoned after the clash.
“He was also in top form last year, but he was injured before he got his chance and he wasn’t at his best. But he was outstanding in Super Rugby.
“I think what makes him such a great player is that he is a basher who is tough to bring down, but he also has some unbelievable touches. Also what I like about him is that he is a guy with soft touches, and he just doesn’t run into contact. He has got beautiful feet.”
Jesse Kriel also had a decent outing against the World XV. The Bulls youngster didn’t really put a foot wrong in his first outing at outside centre for the Boks, as he showed his acceleration off the mark and a nice step to get him through a few holes.
He is likely to start next to De Allende against the Wallabies on Saturday, although Lionel Mapoe is also back to full fitness and was arguably the form South African No13 in Super Rugby. The Lions man also needs a chance to show what he can bring to the table. - The Star