De Allende reaches 100 caps in RGR opener against New Zealand

Springbok centre Damian de Allende became the 10th player in history to earn 100 Test caps for South Africa during the Boks' match against the All Blacks in the opening game of the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at 10bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 20.

The team named for the RGR opener showcased a mix of continuity and change from the previous Test against Argentina. Most players, including captain Pieter-Steph du Toit, had been training in Johannesburg while others traveled to Argentina for their clash against Los Pumas. Only two players retained their places in the starting XV from the Argentina Test, which the Boks won 17-10: Eben Etzebeth (lock) and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf).

Seven additional players from the Buenos Aires match, namely Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Marco van Staden, and Cobus Wiese (utility forwards), Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen (props), Andre Esterhuizen (flanker/centre), and Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), filled the bench. Feinberg-Mngomezulu partnered with Grant Williams at halfback, while wings Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and fullback Damian Willemse completed the back trio. The backline also featured De Allende and Jesse Kriel as the record-breaking centre pairing.

After returning from injury, Ox Nche linked up with Wilco Louw and Malcolm Marx in the front row, while Etzebeth paired with Ruan Nortje in the lock position. The loose trio consisted of Paul de Villiers, Du Toit, and Jasper Wiese. The same replacement front row from two weeks ago was retained with Wessels, Steenekamp, and Porthen, supported by forwards Cobus Wiese, Van Staden, and Esterhuizen, along with backs Reinach and flyhalf Manie Libbok.

Coach Rassie Erasmus remarked on the All Blacks as a quality team and highlighted the selection of combinations best suited for this challenge. He noted that the squad maintained a balance between players who stayed in South Africa for training and those who competed in Argentina, emphasizing the significance of returning players regaining their fitness. It was essential to ensure that strategy carried them throughout the match.

Erasmus also addressed the choice to omit flanker Siya Kolisi, stating that while Kolisi trained well, selecting Paul de Villiers for this match was a strategic decision. De Villiers was set to make his debut against New Zealand. "We thought it would be best to select Paul, and we want to be careful with Siya’s return," he shared.

Erasmus expressed excitement for De Allende’s milestone, recognizing his contributions to the game. "We all hope to make this a memorable occasion for him while still focusing on the task at hand," he stated.

Looking forward to the encounter against New Zealand, Erasmus anticipated another fierce competition, stressing the importance of discipline and execution. The match commenced at 17h10 and was broadcast live on SuperSport.