Most of the big teams in this World Cup have a first center in the “mover” type. France is thus evolving with Jonathan Danty, England with Manu Tuilagi and Ireland with Bundee Aki. South Africa, which challenges England this Saturday for a place in the final, is not left out with a reference for the position of first center: Damian de Allende (31 years old, 76 caps). A beautiful baby of 1.91 m and 105 kg who does enormous damage in defenses, creates gaps and constitutes a perfect fixation point for the Springboks’ attacks. Questioned last November, the center or winger of the Blues, Yoram Moefana, smiled and declared: “We can say that he’s a bull! He is very punchy in his style. Basically, it’s a number 8 that we moved to the center.” Be careful, however, not to reduce the South African to the role of a simple brick breaker. “He also has hands, he can play with the foot too. Frankly, he’s a very, very good player,” insists Moefana.
Of Spanish origin, Damian de Allende has experienced several clubs in his career. After starting at Western Cape Province, he tried two experiences in Japan: first at Kintetsu Liners (2015-2016), then at Panasonic Wild Knights (2019-2020). In 2020, he signed up with the Irish province of Munster and quickly became essential (37 matches played). At the end of his first season in Ireland, he was elected to the Pro 14 type XV (which has since become the United Rugby Championship). At the end of March 2022, he announced: “I will not stay in Munster, my destination is not yet confirmed. But I will not stay in Europe.” Cutting short the rumor that sent him to Bath with the Munster coach at the time, Johann van Graan. End of the suspense at the beginning of July when the Springbok announced his return to Japan with the Saitama Wild Knights, who are no longer owned by Panasonic.
Damian de Allende made his international debut in 2014 against Argentina (13-6) in the Rugby Championship. He participated in the 2015 World Cup, finishing in third place after narrowly failing in the semi-final against the All Blacks (18-20), future winners. And to definitively settle against the holder of the number 12 position with the Boks. However, De Allende had never been selected for South Africa in the youth categories, either for the national team or in the provinces. But it was thanks to his good outings in the South African university championship, with the University of Cape Town, that he was spotted by the Western Province. Before being logically called up to the Springboks and pairing up with the explosive Jesse Kriel (29 years old, 66 caps), after making his debut with the experienced Jean de Villiers (109 caps).
Far from the image he can project on the field, Damian de Allende is not a big nag who only thinks about putting in mammoth charges. Irishman Robbie Henshaw, who faced him with Leinster and the Lions, confides that “he’s a great player and a great guy too!” For the Cape Town native, there is more than just the oval ball in life. He is also passionate about football and a big fan of the Liverpool football club. When he played for Munster, he fulfilled one of his dreams by going to see the Reds play at Anfield Road. With his light eyes and Latin charm, he has also appeared on the cover, in South Africa, of several men’s magazines such as GQ, Men’s Health and Vogue Hommes. Damien de Allende also loves golf, which allows him to take his mind off things. Questioned this week at a press conference, he in any case recalled that he has a good head for rugby at the moment. And that he is aiming for a second world title in a row. “I think you (the media) are thinking too much. We won a World Cup. In 2019, we worked hard. For three or four years, we have been working hard. Individually, we gave a lot to make the team better. I wouldn’t say we’re more relaxed.”
A domestic accident that could have been much more serious. At the end of July 2021, Damian de Allende was indeed burned due to a… campfire. He was with compatriot RG Snyman and Munster teammates CJ Stander and Mike Haley at the edge of a campfire when gasoline was accidentally poured on the fire, causing an explosion. De Allende and Snyman then suffered burns to their legs, hands and face, but were quickly treated at hospital. “We were sitting around the fire and one of the boys threw some gasoline on it, and then the gasoline got on his hand,” he said. He just tried to put the gasoline can on the ground and then everything caught fire and exploded. But the specialist we saw at the hospital told us it wasn’t that serious, that everything should be fine in a few weeks.” It would be a shame to miss the British Irish Lions tour because of this incident.
