"I’ve been lucky to play a lot of rugby and to play against many great centers," de Allende reflected during a press conference in Baltimore. He reminisced about matchups with rugby legends like Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, and Sonny Bill Williams, alongside South African talents such as Frans Steyn, André Esterhuizen, and Jan Serfontein.
"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."
De Allende expressed his delight in playing against Barrett in recent weeks, acknowledging the growth and challenges presented by the encounters.
The injury of All Black center Quinn Tupaea was another focal point of de Allende’s commentary. Tupaea, who significantly challenged de Allende and his center partner Jesse Kriel in the previous tests, will miss the upcoming game due to a knee injury sustained in their last meeting.
"It’s obviously sad to hear about Quinn Tupaea and his injury, and I wish him a speedy recovery. Every Test match has been tough but it’s been a lekker experience," said De Allende.
At 34, de Allende continues to play a crucial role for the Springboks. He attributes his sustained performance to a rigorous work ethic, which he believes has intensified with age.
"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."
This upcoming match is not only a testament to the enduring talents of seasoned players like de Allende but also a showcase of the rising skills of players like Jordie Barrett. As the series decider, the game promises to be a monumental event for rugby fans around the world, illustrating the fierce competition and deep respect among rugby's elite.
