Selection musical chairs don’t sit comfortably with Damian de Allende.
The veteran centre is in the winter of his career and he covets every opportunity to bask in the sun with a Bok jersey on his back.
A post-Rugby World Cup environment, however, necessitates a phase of renewal, with young players allowed to take their initial Test steps next to those who have walked the walk.
It means a heavier accent on squad rotation. “For me it was tough after the first Australia Test when I found out I wasn’t playing,” admits De Allende, who was left out of the squad after their 33-7 win in Brisbane.
“It is a bit tough at my age. [Because] I’m flipping disappointed still because I want to play every Test. But I also understand Rassie’s [Erasmus] mindset, that we need to broaden our squad. I think everyone else understands it as well. It is very easy just to sit there and be upset and grumpy the whole week. Everyone puts egos aside. It’s disappointing not to play, but at the end of the day, we all buy in to the plan.”
I still want to come here and be the example.
— Damian de Allende
That has helped carry the Boks to 16 wins from their last 18 matches before yesterday’s game against the All Blacks.
Though he says the Boks are in a very good space and they are excited to be moving in the right direction, it has required a mind shift. “At this age, it can be tough to adjust to something new. The incredible thing is, everyone has adjusted, all the guys in their 30s.
“For me, at 32, I’m learning a lot more, especially in international rugby. Having said that, I’m still going to make a few mistakes. As long as I know we’re getting better and moving in the right direction. It’s nice at my age to still learn and get better.”
Playing in Japan
To be fair, the Japan Rugby League One, where De Allende is playing under former Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, has been instructive. “He knew how strong I was in contact,” he said about the Panasonic Wild Knights coach.
“He felt every time we were under pressure I would just take the ball up. He got me into a mindset where I just shifted the ball. He got me to move the ball first and then carry it up. That changed my game a lot.”
The Boks have become somewhat of a mutual admiration society. Attack coach Tony Brown, not long after the international season kicked off, referred to De Allende as the best passer in the squad. “Obviously, now I get to use it a lot more than was previously the case. It is a lot of fun.”
De Allende says he’ll assess his career year-by-year, and will guard against becoming a deadweight in the squad. “I still want to come here and be the example.”
He is, however, part of a large group of players who’ll be in their mid-30s when the next Rugby World Cup is played in Australia in 2027. De Allende says when and how players reach the exit have not been discussed. “Rassie understands we are getting older.
“He says it’s life and part of rugby, you are never going to play forever. I can’t see why we can’t go to the next World Cup, even at the age of 35, 36. Jonny Sexton played until he was 38 and he was a fantastic player.”
If De Allende does come back to South Africa before the next RWC, it will be to play for the Stormers.
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