Frans Steyn: Damian de Allende has become the ‘Springboks Ma’a Nonu’ after New Zealand attack guru unlocked key trait
Springboks centre Damian de Allende and All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu.
Frans Steyn believes that the arrival of New Zealander Tony Brown as the Springboks’ attack coach has helped elevate Damian de Allende’s game.
The 33-year-old has been a key component in South Africa’s midfield for the best part of a decade, helping them to Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
De Allende is renowned for his physicality, and that size has been vital in the Boks winning the gain line battle, particularly in big games.
However, Steyn has known for years that the former Stormers star has a varied skill set and insists that Brown has played an influential role in bringing it out.
More expansive Springboks
Since the 2023 World Cup triumph, which was based on set-piece power and a strong kicking game, South Africa have looked to improve their attack.
Having enlisted the help of Brown, they have become more expansive, and it has enabled De Allende to use his passing ability to spread the ball to the wide channels, thus giving their strike runners more opportunities.
“With Damian and what we’ve seen under Tony, they have used the quality of his passing a little bit more. He’s not just trucking it up every game,” Steyn told Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy show.
“I think it’s good for him, the world has got to see more of Damian. For that team, he is a rock in the midfield.
“When they face the All Blacks, Damian will play. When you had [Ma’a] Nonu at 12 and Conrad Smith at 13, Damian is South Africa’s Nonu at the moment.”
One Springboks player who has always been renowned for his creativity is full-back Willie le Roux, who earned his 100th Springboks cap in the 45-0 victory over Italy at the weekend.
Steyn has known Le Roux for a long time and was absolutely delighted to see the 35-year-old reach the century, becoming just the eighth South African to achieve that feat.
Willie le Roux’s influence
“It’s amazing for Willie. For him to get 100 Tests, it just shows over the years the type of player he is, and the team man he is,” he said.
The former Boks utility back, who was part of two World Cup-winning squads, also believes that Saturday’s occasion was reward for both Le Roux’s patience and humility.
He is now not an automatic first choice for South Africa, with head coach Rassie Erasmus looking to bring through younger players ahead of the 2027 global tournament, but the 35-year-old has stuck around to aid the transition.
“How many games has he played over the last two years? Not a lot, but he’s still stayed positive and had that hunger to still play for South Africa,” Steyn added.
“It’s a massive thing for the younger guys to look at.”
