The reason Doogz keeps winning Erasmus' trust after 100 Tests
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes Damian de Allende’s greatest strength has been his exceptional understanding of the game – a quality he says has made the centre one of South Africa’s most valuable players of the professional era.
De Allende will become the 10th Springbok centurion when he runs out against the All Blacks on Saturday, joining an exclusive club that includes Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers, Tendai Mtawarira, Eben Etzebeth, Willie le Roux and Siya Kolisi.
The 34-year-old made his Test debut against Argentina in 2014 as a 22-year-old and, 12 years later, reaches the landmark against South Africa’s fiercest rivals.
For much of his career, De Allende’s role has been defined by his ability to get the Springboks over the gainline, win collisions and create momentum in midfield. Erasmus, however, says there is more to the No.12 than what is immediately visible.
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“People think his skill is his physicality,” Erasmus said. “But it’s actually his understanding of the game, his passing and knowing when to get involved in the game.”
The Springbok coach cast his mind back to his first impressions of De Allende during his time as Stormers Director of Rugby, when the young centre was testing himself against some of the world’s best.
“When I saw him the first time, I didn’t know him that well,” Erasmus recalled.
“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 who could really handle Sonny Bill Williams. I’m talking attack, defence and offloads. He’s a very physical guy.”
Erasmus also laughed as he remembered an early confrontation between the pair.
“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 also a very reserved, quiet guy.”
That quiet leadership is something Erasmus believes often goes unnoticed.
“He’s been vice-captain a heck of a lot, and people aren’t really aware of that because you don’t see him on the field talking a lot.”
Teammate Damian Willemse echoed those sentiments, describing De Allende as one of the squad’s most respected leaders despite his understated personality.
“He’s a real character,” Willemse said. “He’s very reserved, but he knows how to get the team going. He never takes any praise.”
Willemse also highlighted De Allende’s remarkable consistency and durability over more than a decade in the green and gold.
“He is always available to train and to play,” Willemse said. “I’m not sure when the last time was that he missed a Test match or even a training session.”
Beyond his rugby achievements, Willemse praised the man De Allende has become off the field.
“He’s just a really world-class player, and I’m very proud of him,” he said. “I’m sure his hometown of Milnerton will be very proud of him.
“It’s also the way he has developed off the field as a man. He’s now a father and a family man.
“We’re all really proud of Damian, and we’ll go out to make him proud. It’s a special occasion, and his road to 100 caps has been exceptional.”
