Ex Sport 24
ape Town - The duel at wing between Damian de Allende and Willie le Roux promises to be an intriguing one at Newlands on Saturday.
De Allende, 22, is the talk of Cape Town after his inclusion in Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer’s training squad earlier this week. His versatility and size (1.93m and 103kg) could count in his favour when it comes to Test selection.
On Saturday, De Allende, normally a centre, is back on the right wing when the Stormers host the Cheetahs (kick-off at 17:05), and his direct opponent in the Cheetahs No 11 jersey will be the 24-year-old Le Roux, who has been in red-hot form of late.
Le Roux is sure to again test the Stormers' defence - as he did a few weeks back at the Free State Stadium when the Cheetahs beat the Stormers 35-22.
Le Roux was instrumental in a top-notch attacking performance which yielded five tries for the hosts, including one by the Springbok himself.
Le Roux’s name also pops up all over several key 2014 statistics revealed on SANZAR’s official website before Round 15 of Super Rugby.
He has gained the most ground in Super Rugby this year with 958 metres run, made the third most offloads (19) and features in the Top 10 for line breaks made (11). He is also third on the list for most carries made (138), while his kicking game has also improved.
De Allende, on the other hand, is a more physical player who attacks the gainline with sheer ferocity. He is bigger than the 1.86m and 90kg Le Roux and his ability to bust tackles has set him apart in the competition this year.
It is interesting to note that De Allende has beaten more defenders than any South African player in Super Rugby this year.
His 31 tackle busts puts him in eighth spot on the 'Defenders Beaten' list, which is topped by Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa with 39. No other South Africans feature in the Top 10 in this category.
The battle between De Allende and Le Roux is no doubt one between two contrasting players, but it promises to be an enthralling one.
It is well known that Bok coach Meyer favours bigger, more physical players, and a strong performance by De Allende against Le Roux could be favourable for a Test call later this year.
Meyer will no doubt be keeping a watchful eye to see who comes out on top.
Both Allende and Le Roux must make the Bok starting 15.
Meyer should be able to pick a very good backline and my guess he will probably go for this backline:
Du Preez, Frans Steyn, Habana, Jean, Allende, JP and Le Roux. It's a pretty big backline and will take no lip from the net ball kiwis. Plenty of hard hits and knocking kiwi knees!
Provided players get back from injury the Bok pack will be very good.
Beast, Bissie, Malherbe
Flip, Etzebeth
Brussouw, Vermuelen and Burger
Given Deon Fourie's chances have been ruined by palying hooker and given the power of this pack Meyer will probably decide to play Brussouw at least on the faster highveldt fields. Louw may miss out. This loose trio is quicker and all three will play hard for 80 minutes.
Its ouch time for the wobblies and wee abs!!!!!!
