Set to break the Springbok record for most-capped centre pairing with Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende has his eyes firmly set on helping the world champions clinch a series win over Ireland on Saturday.
De Allende and Kriel will start their 30th Test in midfield together in Durban, setting a new record as South Africa’s most-capped centre partnership.
DOOGZ & JESSE: Midfield maestros
Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers previously set the record with Jaque Fourie, starting 29 Tests together and winning a World Cup, Tri-Nations and British & Irish Lions series.
“It’s a great achievement for Jesse and myself,” De Allende said, during a press conference on Wednesday.
“I met Jesse in 2014 when he was training with the Boks already, and I’d like to congratulate him for this achievement.
“Jean and Jaque were probably the best centres in their time, so it’s great. But personally, we’re not focused on that. We want to go out there and get the job done on the field on Saturday.”
The 80 Test-capped ‘Doogz’, as he is fondly known among his teammates, spoke highly of Kriel’s contribution to the team.
“Jesse is a lot faster than me, but jokes aside, he’s excellent on defence, at reading a game, and making good decisions at tough times.
“He put the Irish centres under a lot of pressure last week, and this week will be equally challenging for us in the midfield.”
De Allende received high praise from Springbok attack coach Tony Brown this week, with particular attention paid to his passing and offloading ability.
“I’ve always wanted to pass more, but the most important thing for me has been to do what suits the team,” he said. “In Japan they asked me to pass more, so at this stage, it’s about getting the balance right.
“Tony is very relaxed, and his emphasis is on analysing the space on the field. It’s really been a pleasure working with him.”
De Allende rejected suggestions that the Boks had got the monkey off their back by claiming a first win over Ireland since 2016 in the first Test in Pretoria.
“Last week’s game was a proper Test match,” he said.
“It was good to be part of the match, and we know how tough they are. We have no doubt they’ll come at us even harder this week, so I don’t think one can say it is a case of us having the monkey off our back.”
Photo: FJ Meintjes/Gallo Images
The post Record-breaker Doogz has eyes on Irish prize appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
