Rassie's tribute to Damian de Allende ahead of 100th Sprinboks Test

Damian de Allende’s name will enter the hallowed halls of Springboks history once again this weekend, when the 34-year-old runs out for his 100th Test match for the team.

The bruising inside centre will become just the 10th Springboks centurion when the whistle blows at Ellis Park, with Jean de Villiers the only midfielder before him to reach the milestone.

The achievement puts even more on the line in Saturday’s historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series opener, in which De Allende will link up with familiar midfield partner Jesse Kriel to take on New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea.

But it was a former All Black who helped Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus understand the extent of De Allende’s talents as an up-and-comer, as the coach told reporters in Johannesburg after naming his team for Saturday’s Test.

“From a coaching perspective, when I saw him for the first time, obviously I was director of rugby at the Stormers, and I didn’t know him really well there,” Erasmus reflected.

“When he started playing against guys like Sonny Bill Williams, I’m a big Sonny Bill fan, and he was one of the few guys who really could handle Sonny Bill Williams; I’m talking attack and defence, offloads. He’s a very physical guy.

“One day, I’ll tell you an interesting story; Me and Damian actually had an interesting scuffle one day. He’s a really tough guy; he doesn’t stand back for people, but then he’s a very reserved, quiet guy.

“All people think his skill is his physicality, but it’s actually his understanding of the game, and his passing, and knowing when to get involved in the game.

“He doesn’t talk a lot; he’s been vice-captain a hell of a lot.”

The coach then turned to Damian Willemse to share his thoughts on De Allende’s career and influence in South African rugby.

“He’s a real character in the team,” Willemse added. “As coach said, he’s very reserved, but he knows how to get the team going, and never takes any praise.

“As coach said, he’s been vice-captain for us and stepped up in big games, played big roles for us but never takes any of that shine.

“He’s just always available to train, to play; I’m not sure when the last time was that he missed a Test match or even a training session. He’s just a really, really world-class player and I’m very proud of him. I’m sure in his hometown, Milnerton, everyone will be very proud of him.

“Just the way he has developed off the field as well, as a man; he’s now a father of a family. So, we’re all really proud of Damian, and we’ll all obviously go out to make him proud. It’s a special occasion; he joins an elite club.”