Damian De Allende Singles Out Jordie Barrett As His Toughest-Ever Opponent
- Springbok centre Damian de Allende singled out one All Blacks star as the toughest opponent he has faced in over a decade of Test rugby
- De Allende reflected on a career that included battles against Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, and Sonny Bill Williams before making his verdict
- The 34-year-old also opened up on what has kept him and Springbok veterans competitive at the highest level of world rugby
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BALTIMORE — Springbok centre Damian de Allende has named Jordie Barrett as the most formidable opponent he has encountered across a career spanning 102 Test matches, with the series-deciding fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore set for Saturday.
Speaking to the media from Baltimore on Wednesday, De Allende placed Barrett above a long list of elite centres he has faced since making his international debut.
De Allende Reflects on a Career of Tough Battles
"I've been lucky to play a lot of rugby and to play against many great centres," De Allende said as reported by SA Rugby Magazine.
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"At the start of my career, I got to play against Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams and also South African players like Frans Steyn, André Esterhuizen and Jan Serfontein."
Despite that distinguished list, the Springbok veteran was unequivocal about where Barrett stands.
"But at the moment the one guy who really stands out for me is Jordie Barrett. I think his skill set is incredible and he's got the ability to do everything on the field.
"Just to have played against him over these last few weeks has been a real pleasure. I feel like I've really learned a lot on the field from him and it's incredible to play against him."
Barrett and centre partner Quinn Tupaea posed significant problems for De Allende and Jesse Kriel throughout the three Tests played on South African soil. However, Tupaea will not feature in the Baltimore clash after sustaining a knee injury during the All Blacks' 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium.
De Allende wished Tupaea a swift recovery while acknowledging the physical demands of the series.
"Every Test match where you play against world-class centres is tough, no matter what country you play against.
"But this has been a lekker challenge. It's obviously sad to hear about Quinn Tupaea and his injury, and I wish him a speedy recovery."
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Veteran work ethic behind Springbok longevity
At 34, De Allende remains central to the Springbok midfield and attributed his sustained form to a more disciplined approach to preparation as he has aged.
"We are getting a bit older but for me it feels like we're working a lot harder than what we did when we were a bit younger.
"I think we understand how hard we're working, and that is why we're still playing at such a high-class level and why we can still compete with the best in the world."
The fourth and deciding Test between South Africa and New Zealand takes place in Baltimore on Saturday.
Ardie Savea’s absence adds another layer to All Blacks’ challenge
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok legend Schalk Burger compared Ardie Savea’s absence for Saturday’s fourth Test with South Africa potentially losing Siya Kolisi.
Burger highlighted the leadership and influence the All Blacks will miss in Baltimore, particularly after Savea scored twice before suffering a shoulder injury in the 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium.
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Source: Briefly News
