Erasmus pays tribute to De Allende as centre prepares for 100th Springboks Test

Damian de Allende will make Springboks history at Ellis Park on Saturday, becoming only the 10th player to earn 100 Test caps for South Africa when he lines up against New Zealand in the opening match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

The 34-year-old inside centre is also the second midfielder to reach the milestone, following Jean de Villiers, and will partner Jesse Kriel in a midfield matchup against Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea.

Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg after naming his squad, head coach Rassie Erasmus recalled the moment he first understood De Allende’s true calibre. “When he started playing against guys like Sonny Bill Williams, I’m a big Sonny Bill fan, and he was one of the few guys who really could handle Sonny Bill Williams — I’m talking attack and defence, offloads,” Erasmus said. “He’s a very physical guy.”

Erasmus was keen to push back against the perception that De Allende’s value is purely physical. “All people think his skill is his physicality, but it’s actually his understanding of the game, and his passing, and knowing when to get involved,” the coach said. “He doesn’t talk a lot; he’s been vice-captain a hell of a lot.”

Erasmus also hinted at a personal anecdote involving the pair, saying: “Me and Damian actually had an interesting scuffle one day. He’s a really tough guy; he doesn’t stand back for people, but then he’s a very reserved, quiet guy.”

Damian Willemse, asked to reflect on his teammate’s career, was equally effusive. “He’s a real character in the team,” Willemse said. “He’s been vice-captain for us and stepped up in big games, played big roles for us but never takes any of that shine. He’s just always available to train, to play — I’m not sure when the last time was that he missed a Test match or even a training session.”

Willemse also pointed to De Allende’s growth away from the pitch. “Just the way he has developed off the field as well, as a man — he’s now a father of a family. We’re all really proud of Damian, and we’ll all obviously go out to make him proud. It’s a special occasion; he joins an elite club.”

The milestone adds further weight to what is already a high-stakes occasion, with South Africa and New Zealand renewing one of rugby’s most storied rivalries in the first of what promises to be a compelling Test series.