De Allende thrilled about facing club teammates

Japan holds a special place in the heart of Damian de Allende, who has spent a number of seasons playing club rugby in that part of the world, and the experienced Springbok centre said he was very excited to line up against some of his Wild Knights teammates in London on Saturday.

The Boks face the Brave Blossoms in the opening match of their November tour at Wembley Stadium and De Allende – who was a member of the Bok team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan – warned that it would be a proper grind.

The Test kicks off at 6.10pm (SA time) on Saturday will be broadcast live and exclusively on SuperSport. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

“It’s very exciting to get to play against Japanese players from other clubs but this weekend I’m more excited to enjoy myself and play against some teammates from the Panasonic Wild Knights because I know how good and how tough they are,” said De Allende, who has played more than 50 games for his club.

“I’m also looking forward to the other challenges I enjoy, so hopefully I can go out there on Saturday and make sure I represent my country the way I always do.

“I’ve played against Japanese centre Charlie Lawrence a few times and it has always been a great battle. He’s very powerful and quick on his feet. There is also Dylan Rylie, who I’ve played with in Japan and he’s deceptively fast and strong, so it’s going to be a fast, intense and physical game.”

Given his familiarity with the Japanese style of rugby, De Allende agreed with his midfield partner Jesse Kriel that they would not underestimate the opposition, despite the fact that they are ranked 13th in the world.

“We’ve been preparing for a fast game because that’s the way the Japanese really want to play but it will be equally important to play our brand of rugby and on our terms,” said De Allende.

“Japan got stuck in against Australia when they lost by only four points last weekend, so it’s going to be a hard game.”

While it will not be De Allende’s first visit to Wembley Stadium on Saturday, it will mark the first time he plays on the famous field – an opportunity that excited him immensely.

“I watched the Boks play the Barbarians there before, as well as an NFL match, and the rugby league match between England and Australia last week but I’ve never played on the pitch,” he said. “The stadium looks beautiful. It has a lot of history and heritage, so I’m looking forward to being part of this match.”

Saturday: Springboks v Japan (Wembley Stadium, London)

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)

Assistant Referee 1: Ben O'Keeffe (NZR)

Assistant Referee 2: Adam Leal (RFU)

TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)

FRPO: Tual Trainini (FFR)

Springbok starting XV: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach; 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt); 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman; 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Malcolm Marx; 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.