Ex-Springboks star centres weigh into Damian de Allende v Jordie Barrett battle as All Blacks standout has ‘earned’ best in the world ‘right’
Inside centres for the Springboks and All Blacks, Damian de Allende and Jordie Barrett, who are set to clash on Saturday.
The individual duel between Damian de Allende and Jordie Barrett – arguably the two best inside centres in the world – will provide an interesting subplot to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series.
They are set to go head-to-head when the Springboks and All Blacks clash in a four-Test series which starts this weekend in Johannesburg.
Both players are likely to be included in the respective XVs when the squads are named on Thursday ahead of the Saturday clash at the iconic Ellis Park.
Damian de Allende set for milestone
Should De Allende indeed get the nod by his head coach Rassie Erasmus and take to the field, he will earn his 100th cap for the Boks.
The South African is almost 35 but he continues to put in world-class performances and remains one of their key players.
As for his opponent, Barrett, who is 29 and sits on 81 caps, he will almost certainly reach the century at some point.
The Hurricane has always been an outstanding player but he has elevated his game over the past 18 months and is now a critical part of the All Blacks side.
Former South Africa centres Jean de Villiers and Robbie Fleck discussed the battle on the Boks Unpacked podcast, with the former believing that this tour will determine who is truly the best.
“I’m really looking forward to that match-up between Jordie Barrett and Damian that plays 12 for the Boks, whichever Damian it is – we think it will be De Allende,” De Villiers said.
“I think he’s part of the conversation, I don’t think it’s a straight answer. After this tour, we will be able to say who’s the best.
“I think they are two world-class centres.”
Fleck’s view
Fleck believes there are similarities in their game but that Barrett perhaps has a bit more variety, especially with his kicking ability which has been important on the South African tour so far.
“They’re both really hard, aggressive centres that carry well and have good skill sets. I think the only dynamic that Jordie’s got over Damian is his kicking game, which he’s brought through now,” he said.
“If they use that correctly, it will be something different that they will bring to the table. Right now I think Jordie Barrett is becoming one of the best centres in the world, he’s earned that right and I think he would be a tough player to play against right now.”
De Villiers disagreed, however, claiming that they are different players and have very contrasting roles in their respective teams.
“That’s also like saying a centre is better than a prop. The way that the All Blacks play, the way that they utilise their midfielders to the way that we utilise our midfielders, is totally different, so you’re not comparing apples with apples,” he added.
