Damian de Allende names All Blacks star who ‘really stands out’ above the rest
- Where to watch Leinster v Cardiff: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news - October 10, 2026
- Where to watch Ulster v Munster: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news - October 10, 2026
- Brian O’Driscoll reveals surprising Ciarán Frawley request before Leinster exit - October 10, 2026
Respect.
Springbok centre Damian de Allende has singled out Jordie Barrett for special praise ahead of the final Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Baltimore.
The double World Cup winner has faced some of the finest midfielders of the modern era during his international career, particularly across South Africa’s long-running rivalry with the All Blacks.
Asked which centres have made the biggest impression on him over the years, De Allende initially reeled off a list featuring some of the biggest names to have worn the No.12 and No.13 jerseys for both countries.
“I’ve been lucky to play a lot of rugby and play against a lot of fantastic centres. Like at the start of my career, I got to play against Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Sonny Bill Williams and also South African players, Frans Steyn, Andre Esterhuizen and Jan Serfontein.,” De Allende said.
But despite the quality of those players, there was one member of the current All Blacks side he was particularly keen to highlight.
“But at the moment the one guy that really does stand up for me is Jordie Barrett. His skill set is incredible.
“He’s got the ability to do everything on the field at the moment, and just to play against him these past three weeks, it’s been a real pleasure.
“I have always liked to learn a lot on the field, especially playing against my opposition, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot from Jordie Barrett on the field, and it’s been incredible to play against him.”
Barrett and De Allende have been directly opposed throughout the Greatest Rivalry series, with the Springboks taking a 2-1 lead into Saturday’s fourth and final Test.
De Allende also paid tribute to the injured Quinn Tupaea, who has returned to New Zealand after suffering an MCL injury in the third Test.
“It’s obviously sad to hear about Quinn Tupaea with his injury, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
“But all I can say is every Test match is tough and this has been an incredible experience. It’s also been tough, but it’s been an experience.”
De Allende and Barrett are now set to go head-to-head once again in Baltimore, where the All Blacks will attempt to square the four-Test series at 2-2.
For the Springboks, victory would complete a 3-1 series triumph after recovering from defeat in the opening Test at Ellis Park.
