Speaking ahead of Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry decider in Baltimore, Damian de Allende offered a candid assessment of the midfield opponents who've tested him most across his career — and his answer for the current era was unambiguous: Jordie Barrett. De Allende rates Barrett's all-round skill set above any centre he's faced in recent memory, and notably says he's actively learned from playing against him across the three-match series. On the defensive side, he credits the Springboks' series turnaround — from losing the opener at Ellis Park to leading 2-1 — largely to preparation and Jesse Kriel's leadership of the defensive structures. The piece also captures De Allende's pitch to American audiences: forget explaining the game, just get people into the stadium to watch the world's top two sides go at it.
De Allende singles out Jordie Barrett as the rival who's made him think hardest
De Allende names Jordie Barrett as the standout opponent of the series, explains the defensive prep behind the Boks' 2-1 lead, and makes his case for why the Baltimore decider sells rugby better than any brochure could.
Marx, De Allende and Kriel each bag brace of tries in strong weekend for Saffas abroad
Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel each scored two tries during the latest round of club fixtures in Japan and Europe. The trio's performances were among the highlights for South African players based abroad over the weekend.
SENSATIONAL Springboks 💥 | South Africa v England | Nations Championship 2026 | Highlights
Watch all the highlights as South Africa took on England at Ellis Park on day one of Nations Championship.
SENSATIONAL Springboks 💥 | South Africa vs. England | Nations Championship 2026 | Highlights
Watch all the highlights as South Africa took on England at Ellis Park on day one of Nations Championship.
Kolisi treats Barbarians clash as a full Test match ahead of Gqeberha opener
Siya Kolisi insists the Springboks are treating Saturday's Barbarians clash in Gqeberha as a full Test match, with internal competition, positional battles and the season opener's importance all cited as the camp's driving forces.
Esterhuizen and Giliomee eager as Boks and SA 'A' prepare for Gqeberha double-header
The Springboks face the Barbarians and SA 'A' take on Zimbabwe in a double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, with Andre Esterhuizen backing Quan Horn's shift to flyhalf and teenager Luan Giliomee set for his third green-and-gold environment of the year.