De Allende set to reach 100 Test caps against New Zealand
Springbok centre Damian de Allende is set to reach a major career milestone this weekend.
De Allende will earn his 100th Test cap when South Africa face New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The match opens the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at 10bet Ellis Park.
De Allende reaches a historic milestone
De Allende will become only the 10th player in Springbok history to reach 100 Test appearances.
The experienced centre has established himself as a key figure in the South African midfield.
He will line up alongside Jesse Kriel in another formidable centre partnership.
Coach Rassie Erasmus believes the milestone will make the occasion even more special for De Allende.
“We are all very excited for Damian, and to achieve this milestone in this series makes it even more special,” Erasmus said.
“He’s a great team man and servant to the game, so we hope we can make it a memorable day for him.”
However, Erasmus expects De Allende to remain focused on his responsibilities against the All Blacks.
His 100th cap will be significant, but the centre must still deliver on the field.
Springboks prepare for a massive All Blacks battle
South Africa have selected a strong squad for the opening Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test.
The team combines players who stayed in Johannesburg with several stars who featured against Argentina.
Only Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retain their starting positions from the Argentina victory.
The Springboks defeated Los Pumas 17-10 in Buenos Aires two weeks ago.
Seven other players from that match will provide impact from the replacements bench.
Those players include Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Marco van Staden and Cobus Wiese.
Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Andre Esterhuizen and Cobus Reinach are also included.
Meanwhile, Feinberg-Mngomezulu will partner Grant Williams at halfback.
Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse will occupy the wings, with Damian Willemse at fullback.
De Allende anchors an experienced backline
The Springbok backline features plenty of international experience.
De Allende brings 99 Test caps into Saturday’s clash with New Zealand.
Jesse Kriel will partner him in the midfield after reaching 90 Test appearances.
The combination gives South Africa considerable experience against one of their biggest rivals.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu will control the game from flyhalf, while Williams starts at scrumhalf.
Kolbe and Arendse provide attacking threats out wide.
Willemse completes the starting back three at fullback.
Together, the backline gives Erasmus plenty of options in attack.
Changes made across the Springbok pack
Ox Nche returns from injury and will start alongside Wilco Louw and Malcolm Marx.
Etzebeth will reunite with Ruan Nortje in the second row.
The loose trio features Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Paul de Villiers.
Du Toit will captain the Springboks during the opening Test of the series.
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi has been left out of the matchday squad.
Erasmus explained that Kolisi trained well but would benefit from a cautious return.
“We are playing four Tests against the All Blacks and Paul has been playing well,” Erasmus said.
“We are excited to give him a chance this weekend in what will be his first Test match against New Zealand.”
Erasmus expects an 80-minute battle
Erasmus expects another closely fought contest between the Springboks and All Blacks.
“They are a quality team and they’re very well coached,” he said.
The Springbok coach believes his team must prepare for an 80-minute grind.
New Zealand possess physical forwards and an exciting backline, which could create problems for South Africa.
Therefore, Erasmus wants his players to execute accurately from the opening whistle.
Discipline will also prove important, particularly if the match remains close.
“Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire,” Erasmus said.
“It’s important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point.”
Springbok team to face New Zealand
15. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 52 caps, 76 points
14. Cheslin Kolbe (DHL Stormers) – 50 caps, 131 points
13. Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 90 caps, 115 points
12. Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 99 caps, 55 points
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars) – 32 caps, 125 points
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 20 caps, 177 points
9. Grant Williams (Kobe Steelers) – 30 caps, 40 points
8. Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 46 caps, 20 points
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain) (Toyota Verblitz) – 98 caps, 70 points
6. Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points
5. Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears) – 20 caps, 5 points
4. Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 142 caps, 45 points
3. Wilco Louw (DHL Stormers) – 31 caps, 10 points
2. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 89 caps, 135 points
1. Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 48 caps, 0 points
Replacements
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 13 caps, 10 points
17. Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 10 points
18. Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 5 points
19. Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 0 points
20. Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 31 caps, 25 points
21. Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 36 caps, 20 points
22. Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 53 caps, 100 points
23. Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners) – 30 caps, 147 points
De Allende’s 100th Test will add another landmark to an already impressive Springbok career.
Now, he will look to celebrate the milestone with a victory over New Zealand in Johannesburg.
