FILE - Springboks centre Damian de Allende makes a break in the recent Test against England. De Allende was included in World Rugby Dream Team on Sunday. Picture: Justin Tallis / AFP
You’d be surprised to see Damian de Allende’s profile popping up on a notable cricket website when you search for his name.
“Right-arm slow medium” says his profile, with a best bowling performance of 3/32 against the Proteas ... Of course this was in an exhibition match, where the Springboks played the their cricket counterparts.
But it does get you thinking ... “Is there anything this guy can’t do?”
Because while De Allende may be a handy cricketer, he is certainly one hell of a rugby player for the Springboks, having enjoyed a wonderful 2024 in the green and gold. And he was finally rewarded for his performances when he was included in the World Rugby Dream Team at the World Rugby awards.
It was just reward for a player who has so often flew under the radar and is truly under-appreciated for his contributions for the Springboks. Here is a guy that has been at the top of his game over the last five years since the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
When most people think about De Allende, they think of a big, bruising No 12 who tries to get momentum for the Boks off first-phase attack or from slow ball.
And for years that was probably the case in the Springboks' rigid game, when the box kick and ferocious defence were their primary methods to try and win Test matches.
In that role he was outstanding, especially in the 2019 World Cup, where he ran into the vacuum to give the Boks momentum on attack. He was able to get over the advantage line, which gives his forwards and fellow backs a good target to hit when cleaning out to provide quick ball.
De Allende also has the ability to make metres from a standing start. For a man weighing over 100kg, he has quick feet to beat the first defender before pumping those legs to gain some momentum.
Who can forget the crucial try he scored in the semi-final against Wales, when he willed himself over the line with a couple of defenders on his back?
After playing another massive role in the Springboks’ 2023 triumph in France, De Allende’s role in the Springboks has evolved in 2024, which has started to showcase his soft skills a lot more.
Under new attack coach Tony Brown, the Springboks have started to play with a bit more width on attack, with passes out of the back and plenty of secondary receivers to create space for the dangerous outside backs.
De Allende has formed a key cog in the new strategy, with Brown saying “Damian is the best passer in the Springboks."
The big inside centre has always had that passing and offloading game in his locker. It’s just been suppressed by the Boks’ direct gameplans in years gone by.
This year there has been many examples of De Allende’s wide range of passes, with short ones out the back under pressure, as well as bullet skip passes and floaty drift passes.
When he combines his power and sweet passing, he can create moments of magic. A great example was against England during the November tour, when he broke two tackles before giving a no-look pass for Cheslin Kolbe to step his defender and score.
After celebrated his 33rd birthday thus year, many believe his best days are behind him. However, the new gameplan could be just the tonic to see him feature at another World Cup in Australia in three years’ time.
For now, though, we must all celebrate De Allende finally getting his flowers.
@JohnGoliath82
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