Rassie Erasmus hails stalwart Damian de Allende ahead of 100-cap milestone

De Allende will become the tenth Springbok to reach 100 Tests when he runs out onto the hallowed turf of Ellis Park for the opening Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Cape Town native made his debut for the Boks in 2015 and quickly became a mainstay at inside centre. His potent carries, strong defence, work rate at ruck time and incredibly low error rate have made it difficult for Erasmus to leave him out of the matchday 23.

In addition, de Allende's near-symbiotic relationship with outside centre Jesse Kriel is becoming the stuff of legends.

On the eve of his 100th match in the green and gold, Erasmus waxed lyrical about his gold standard No. 12.

"From a coaching perspective, when I saw him for the first time, obviously I was director of rugby at the Stormers, and I didn't know him really well there," the double World Cup-winning coach told the press on Thursday.

"When he started playing against guys like Sonny Bill Williams, I'm a big Sonny Bill fan, and he was one of the few guys who really could handle Sonny Bill Williams; I'm talking attack and defence, offloads. He's a very physical guy.

"One day, I'll tell you an interesting story; Me and Damian actually had an interesting scuffle one day. He's a really tough guy; he doesn't stand back for people, but then he's a very reserved, quiet guy.

"All people think his skill is his physicality, but it's actually his understanding of the game, and his passing, and knowing when to get involved in the game. He doesn't talk a lot; he's been vice-captain a hell of a lot.

De Allende also earned the plaudits from his namesake Damian Willemse. The utility back remarked on how injury-free he has been throughout his 11-year career.

"He's a real character in the team," added Willemse.

"As coach said, he's very reserved, but he knows how to get the team going, and never takes any praise. As coach said, he's been vice-captain for us and stepped up in big games, played big roles for us but never takes any of that shine.

"He's just always available to train, to play; I'm not sure when the last time was that he missed a Test match or even a training session. He's just a really, really world-class player and I'm very proud of him. I'm sure in his hometown, Milnerton, everyone will be very proud of him.

"Just the way he has developed off the field as well, as a man; he's now a father of a family. So, we're all really proud of Damian, and we'll all obviously go out to make him proud. It's a special occasion; he joins an elite club."

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