Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Damian de Allende: South Africa vs Ireland will be 'like a war'

South Africa's Damian de Allende in action against Ireland at the Rugby World Cup (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)

On July 6, in the rarefied atmosphere of Loftus Versfeld, South Africa will meet Ireland in the first match of a two-Test series that will – unofficially – decide the best team in the world. A week later the teams will lock horns again in Durban.

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s a battle – or in Damian de Allende’s mind more than a battle, “almost like a war” – between the back-to-back world champion Springboks and the team that they displaced at the top of the World Rugby men’s rankings en route to lifting the Webb Ellis Cup at the Stade de France last October.

In the latest episode of Walk the Talk, the RugbyPass TV series, de Allende told Jim Hamilton just how much he is looking forward to taking on the Guinness Six Nations champions and putting recent results against them to rights.

Video Spacer

Damian de Allende – Walk the Talk Trailer | RPTV

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      Damian de Allende – Walk the Talk Trailer | RPTV

      Springbok Damian de Allende joins Jim Hamilton for a fascinating chat about all things Springbok rugby, including RWC2023 and the upcoming Ireland series. Full interview coming Thurs 6th June.

      Coming Soon

      Ireland have won the last three encounters, most recently by 13-8 in the pool stages of RWC 2023, although it is eight years since they last won in South Africa, 26-20 at Newlands.

      “The Test match in Dublin in 2022 was a tough loss (16-19), so there have been a few tough games against them,” said de Allende.

      Fixture
      Internationals
      South Africa
      27 - 20
      Full-time
      Ireland
      All Stats and Data

      “We lost to them in 2017 when they beat us 38-3. The way the media spoke, they completely disrespected us. So for us as a group and for us as Springboks it is about getting respect back, not their respect, but our own respect. We don’t need to but we really want to beat Ireland. It is going to be an incredible Test match.”

      Incredible is a word de Allende uses a lot about the Springboks’ next opponents. “Ireland are incredible, they are incredibly well coached. Their attacking shape is incredible, with the way they get their passes off nine, especially when they get momentum.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “With Ireland, the biggest threat is the breakdown, they are so good at the breakdown. No matter if they are getting dominated in contact, they still manage to get the ball out quick enough.”

      Being able to play Ireland in front of their own South African supporters is something that the 78-cap de Allende can’t wait for. “I’m looking forward to it the most because it is the first Test match for us together as a group after we have won the World Cup in front of our own crowd.

      “We never got that luxury after winning the 2019 World Cup because of covid and everything like that. That first game against Ireland at Loftus, whether I play or not, it is just going to feel almost like a war.

      “A lot of people give them credit for being number one in the world because they play such good footy but that’s going to be a flippin’ incredible battle.”

      ADVERTISEMENT
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

      Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

      New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

      Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

      Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

      The Rise of Kenya | The Report

      New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

      The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      27 Comments
      G
      Gavan 300 days ago

      Not sure his comments about Farrells lack of understanding of Ireland were well researched

      R
      Reuben 300 days ago

      Lol 2017…


      NZ & IRE: 95

      SA: 3


      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

      R
      Red and White Dynamight 301 days ago

      Ireland start as favourites. Why wouldnt they, 3 consecutive wins incl at RWC. Its domination really, 8 wins and past 12 Tests. De Allende is just another punchdrunk Bok, convinced the 1pt wins and referee blunders has turned him in to Superman.

      D
      DA 297 days ago

      and you are just another foul mouthed drunken key board dumb wannabe

      W
      WI 301 days ago

      Will be a fascinating series. The Boks have had bogey teams before, I think Wales was on a 4 game winning sequence against The Boks. Not sure how much the Home Advantage will count, Wales almost won at Loftus in 2022.


      England and The All Blacks, think that will be a good series too.

      f
      fl 302 days ago

      Actually this isn’t a war, it isn’t a world cup, it probably isn’t even the most exciting test series this summer. If SA win 2-0 they’ll never shut up about it, but regardless of the result no one else will remember this series in 2 or 3 years time.

      D
      DA 297 days ago

      your brain power is limited and so you definately won’t

      B
      Bull Shark 301 days ago

      Don’t watch it then.

      C
      CR 302 days ago

      I still remember the last series…

      J
      JK 302 days ago

      Should be a good series…waits w popcorn

      T
      Terry24 302 days ago

      Great games over that period. NZ England also

      T
      Terry24 302 days ago

      He says the media disrespected us 38-3 back in 2017?

      Is he saying the Irish media disrespected them?

      Rassie is trying to create a unifying sense of injustice by Ireland against SA so that there is a common grievance to be righted in Loftus. Fair enough and maybe explains Etzebeths weird accusations.

      No-one remembers what Irish media said in 2017, was probably a euphoric sense of new ground broken for a rising Irish team against a Major World force.

      Whatever they said in Ireland it the reciminations in SA media would have been 1000000% worse. I think a sense of wanting to win in front of home supporters is better. The players wont buy the other nonsense.

      f
      fl 302 days ago

      Honestly, so many members of this south africa team seem to be truly pathetic people. I can’t imagine international players from any other nation acting like this.

      Load More Comments

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      J
      JB 40 minutes ago
      Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

      As a devoted father of two, my primary concern has always been the safety and well-being of my family. This commitment to my family's security was put to the test on February 6, 2025, when I embarked on a quest to find a trustworthy home security system that could offer us the protection we needed. After conducting some research online, I stumbled upon a security company that seemed promising, and I took the initiative to reach out through their messaging platform. Hours later, my phone rang, and I was greeted by a representative claiming to be from a well-known home security company. They were reaching out to inform me about a special promotional offer, which immediately piqued my interest. However, as the promised week came and went without so much as a peep from the company, my feelings of unease began to escalate. I attempted to contact the company again to inquire about the delay, only to find that the number I had called was suddenly disconnected. It was at that moment—when the reality of the situation hit me—that I understood I had fallen victim to a scam. The devastation that followed was profound; losing $40,000 was not merely a financial setback but a personal failure in my eyes—an inability to safeguard my family's future. The experience left me feeling vulnerable, exposed, and utterly defeated. Determined to reclaim my lost resources, I knew that swift action was essential. I turned to the internet for help and began researching options for recovering my funds. During this search, I came across BOTNET CRYPTO RECOVERY, a company with a track record of assisting individuals who had encountered similar unfortunate situations. Intrigued by the success stories of people who had benefited from their services, I made the decision to reach out to them. From the moment I contacted BOTNET CRYPTO RECOVERY, I was met with professionalism and empathy. Their team was understanding of my plight and remained reassuring throughout the process. They immediately set to work on investigating the fraudulent transaction and kept me informed at every step, alleviating some of the anxiety that had consumed me since the incident.Thanks to their diligence, expertise, and unwavering commitment, BOTNET CRYPTO RECOVERY was eventually able to recover an astounding $35,800 of the $40,000 I had lost. The relief I felt was immeasurable; it was as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Not only did they help restore my finances, but they also provided me with something

      invaluable—peace of mind.Their contact info is listed below.


      +1 (431) 801-8951

      botnetcryptorecovery@groupmail.com

      4 Go to comments
      T
      Tobias Burch 4 hours ago
      Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

      GrayHat Hacks Contractor Reclaimed My BTC in Hours

      Mid last year, I thought I had stumbled upon a golden opportunity when I joined an online investment group promising substantial returns through rare NFTs. I was thrilled to invest my 1.5 BTC, valued at approximately $90,000 at the time, toward a significant venture. The group’s website appeared polished, featuring impressive testimonials and a “secure escrow” system for transactions. Confident in their credibility, I transferred my BTC to their designated wallet, anticipating the delivery of a valuable NFT. However, days stretched into weeks with only vague excuses, and then the site disappeared entirely. My wallet was empty, and the realization hit me hard: I had been duped by a sophisticated scam, losing the savings I had earmarked for my dream music studio.

      In a state of panic and despair, I searched online for solutions and discovered GrayHat Hacks. Their team responded promptly. They outlined their approach, explaining that they would employ blockchain forensics to track my BTC, despite the scammers’ use of a mixing service to obscure the trail. Their team meticulously analyzed the transaction ledger, utilizing advanced algorithms to group wallets and detect patterns. After several hours of diligent effort, they successfully retrieved my BTC. Their transparency throughout the process was reassuring.

      That 1.5 BTC represents more than just currency; it’s the foundation of my music studio vision, and GrayHat Hacks restored it when I had nearly lost all hope. For anyone caught up in a dubious investment scheme, they offer an invaluable service. Their expertise in blockchain technology, paired with genuine client support, sets them apart. You can reach them via email at gr ay hathacks @ con tractor . net or Whatsapp +1 (843) 368-3015

      78 Go to comments
      LONG READ
      LONG READ Munster-ROG reunion a ‘love story’ but no return likely for La Rochelle boss Munster-ROG reunion a ‘love story’ but no return likely for La Rochelle boss
      Search