'I think he's probably the most underrated player in world rugby': Victor Matfield

South Africa great Victor Matfield has described Springboks centre Damian de Allende as “probably the most underrated player in world rugby” following his performance against England in round one of the Nations Championship at Ellis Park.

The abrasive centre was named player of the match in the victory in Johannesburg, albeit somewhat controversially, with many speculating that his namesake Damian Willemse was actually due to be given the accolade. It was nevertheless a typical performance from the inside centre, where he registered 16 tackles and one turnover.

In light of the result, Matfield, speaking on his Rugby Rivals podcast, said that the 34-year-old and No.8 Jasper Wiese are the “heartbeat of this South African team,” adding that he believes de Allende is the first name on Rassie Erasmus’ team sheet.

What’s more, the former lock said that England are lacking a player with de Allende’s profile at inside centre, saying “they can’t punch with their backline.” South African-born inside centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who qualifies for England this week, may be a possible solution to fix an issue that has plagued England for years.

Both Wiese and de Allende have been rested for South Africa’s clash with Scotland this week, as Erasmus has made 10 changes to his starting XV.

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Nations Championship

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11 Jul 26

Scotland

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“Somehow Rassie gets the best out of his players even with the changes,” Matfield said.

“Our backline looked so good. Damian de Allende at 12, he’s just a workhorse and I think he’s probably the most underrated player in world rugby. Just the go-forward he gives to South Africa, the work rate around the park. Then Damian Willemse at No.15, I think it was one of his best games I’ve seen him play. Under the high ball, I don’t think he missed one the whole day. He’s got that step that he always beats the first guy.

“The other guy from South Africa that I think people need to start looking at as one of the best is Jasper Wiese. Every time he carries, he gets metres and he gets the South Africans on the front foot, and from there a guy like Manie [Libbok] can control the game.

“Jasper Wiese and Damian de Allende are the heartbeat of this South African team at the moment. We’re all about physicality and we’re all about getting on that front foot, dominating the advantage line, and those two guys are just unbelievable.

“A guy like Andre Esterhuizen is just killing it with the Sharks, and then I think ‘how do you keep Andre Esterhuizen out of the team?’ Then you see Damian de Allende playing and it’s just like ‘you can never drop this guy.’ I think when Rassie writes down his team, Damian de Allende is probably the first guy he writes down.

“Unfortunately, I still believe England, you need a strong No.12 these days, and they just don’t have it. They can’t punch with their backline; they can only punch with their forwards – they’ve had Ben Earl, who’s a big carrier. The rest of their loosies, there’s just not big carrying ability there.”