Damian de Allende praised as ‘one of the best’ ahead of 100th South Africa Test

Springbok centre Damian de Allende will win his 100th Test cap for South Africa on Saturday, when the world champions face the All Blacks at Ellis Park, with assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit paying tribute to his contribution to the team.

De Allende will become the latest South African player to reach the landmark, following teammates Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, along with a number of former Springbok greats who have also played 100 Test matches.

Stick said the achievement was particularly significant given the criticism De Allende had faced during his international career.

“For a guy like Damian de Allende, who has been with us through the ups and downs, and had to cope with a lot of people saying he wasn’t good enough to play for the Springboks, is amazing,” said Stick.

The assistant coach added that De Allende’s importance to South Africa had often been seen in the work he completed away from the spotlight.

“In our camp, we always knew what a man he is and the value he adds to the team. He’s one of those guys who does the dirty work without anyone seeing it, so for him to play his 100th Test match is a great achievement for him and his family.

“He is not a person of many words, but when he switches on, he’s one of the best, so I’m very proud of him and I’d like to congratulate him and his family. Hopefully we can make it special for him.”

Du Toit, who is set to make his 99th Test appearance on Saturday, said playing alongside De Allende had been a privilege.

“To see Damian playing his 100th Test for the Springboks is special, and it’s an unbelievable honour to play alongside him. I still remember the first time I watched him at the Stormers. He played on the wing and I just saw this beast in the way he carried the ball and his work on defence.

“I have so much respect for him, the way he carries himself on and off the field, and how he’s grown as a person. It’s great to see people progress in life.”

De Allende’s milestone will come in one of the biggest fixtures in international rugby, as South Africa meet New Zealand at Ellis Park. Stick said the squad had long recognised the qualities De Allende brought to the Springboks, even when his contribution was not immediately noticed.

The centre’s 100th Test places him in an exclusive group of South African internationals, alongside current teammates Etzebeth and Kolisi and several former Springbok legends. Stick hopes the team can mark the occasion with a performance that makes the match memorable for De Allende and his family.