Springboks’ midfield rock De Allende on the brink of 100 Test caps

WHILE he knows he is edging ever closer to the 100-cap milestone for the Springboks, veteran centre and double World Cup winner Damian de Allende is in no rush to look too far ahead.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

SPRINGBOK centre Damian de Allende is nearing 100 Test caps for South Africa, but wants to take things weekly as he approaches the milestone. | BackpagePix

(BackpagePix)

For the 33-year-old midfield rock, it’s about staying in the moment and cherishing every opportunity to pull on the green and gold jersey.

De Allende earned his 95th Test cap when he lined up against France in Paris last night, in what was a repeat of last year’s pulsating Rugby World Cup quarterfinal between the same sides. It was another reminder of his enduring influence in the Bok back-line — a blend of experience, physicality and calm that has been central to South Africa’s success over the seven years.

If selected for one or two more matches during the November tour, De Allende will inch even closer to a milestone that only a select few have achieved in the Springbok jersey.

Should his journey continue on its current course, the Cape-born powerhouse could celebrate his 100th Test appearance on home soil against the All Blacks in 2026 — fittingly, in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, when the world champions take on their fiercest foes once again.