VIDEO: How Japan made Damian de Allende a better Bok
WATCH as the Behind the Ruck crew – Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh discuss life in Japan with Damian de Allende.
The Bok centre is currently playing in Japan with the Wild Knights after previously representing the Stormers and Munster.
The 88-cap Test veteran copped a lot of criticism in his formative years with the Stormers for always taking the ball into contact and not getting it wide to his outside backs.
Ironically enough, he was one of the top offloading backs for the Stormers in 2015 and won the Super Rugby Player of the Year title at the SA Rugby Awards that same season.
Now, 10 years later, he has won two World Cups, a British and Irish Lions series and two Rugby Championships.
De Allende explained how his time in Japan benefited his overall game and what his experience with Springbok attack coach Tony Brown has been like.
“On the field, I’ve learnt a lot. The Barbarians’ coach this weekend is Robbie Deans, and he’s my coach at the Wild Knights.
“Our attack coach is full Japanese, but I think he is one of the most brilliant attacking coaches I’ve ever worked with.
“The way he wants us to identify and exploit space, whether that’s passing or kicking the ball, [is incredible].
“He’s improved my game so much from understanding that I don’t have to carry the ball all the time.
“I can also be the one creating space. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learnt in Japan.
“Coming back to South Africa and picking up some tips from Tony Brown as well [helps].
“He also coached Japan and the Wild Knights before. That worked very nicely.
“I’ve got a better feel for the game in terms of when to move the ball and when not to.
“In my younger days, I tended to just carry the ball and make that my main focus.
“Now I’m focussing on carrying and also looking to make a pass. I’ve learnt how to move the ball, which is the most important thing in rugby.”
Watch the full interview below….
