De Allende: 'I went into a bit of shock'
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende said he is lucky to be involved in the British and Irish Lions series after a fire pit accident in early June.
De Allende and his Munster and Springbok teammate Rudolph Snyman suffered burns in the accident, which put their participation in the Lions series in doubt.
While De Allende made his return to the rugby field last week for South Africa ‘A’, Snyman is still recovering from his injuries.
“I am just grateful it didn’t end up being worse than what it was.
“Thinking of a guy like RG, he got the worst of it and I still feel very sorry for him. He has gone through a lot.
“I think I got lucky. I am just glad I get to play rugby again.
“I think after it happened, I went into a bit of shock and I was in the hospital on morphine.
“After that when the pain started to kick in then it struck me how bad it was and how much worse it could have been and how lucky I was.”
De Allende was in the No.12 jersey when SA ‘A’ beat the B&I Lions last week Wednesday. He was also involved off the bench in that defeat to the Bulls this past Saturday.
“I am very grateful that I got some good game minutes over the past week.
“It was tough playing two games in a week, I haven’t done that in quite a long time.
“Saturday’s game was quite tough emotionally, but I think it was a good lesson for us, not just in terms of losing that game but also putting our bodies and our minds through two physical battles in one week.”
Life in Limerick
The Bok centre will be up against some familiar faces in Saturday’s first Test against the British and Irish Lions.
“It has been a good experience [playing for Munster]. I know a lot of the guys playing for the British and Irish Lions.
“It has been good for me to get a taste against them and see what rugby is like in Europe. I really loved it and I enjoyed it.
“The weather is very tough, and it was quite a thing to get used to. I love Munster and I love Limerick. It is great people and it is a great club.
“I have learnt a lot and I have tried to explain to the guys what they try and do different and compare it to what we do here in South Africa.
“It doesn’t mean it will change the way we play rugby. We will still try and stick to our structures and stick to our strengths,” Bok centre added.