Damian de Allende is on the verge of joining an elite group of Springbok centurions, with the veteran centre set to make his 100th Test appearance against New Zealand this Saturday.
The 34-year-old needs just one more Test cap to reach the landmark and is expected to feature when the Springboks face the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 22 August.
It promises to be a special occasion for a player who has played a significant role in the Springboks’ recent golden era, including their World Cup triumphs.
De Allende closing in on Springbok history
If selected as expected, De Allende will become the latest South African player to reach the prestigious 100-cap mark.
He follows Siya Kolisi and Willie le Roux, who both reached the milestone last year.
The achievement could also be part of a remarkable double celebration for the Springboks, with Pieter-Steph du Toit currently on 98 Test appearances and needing just two more caps to reach 100.
The Springboks are scheduled to announce their team for Saturday’s clash on Thursday.
A place among the Springbok greats
Reaching 100 Tests puts De Allende in distinguished company.
South Africa’s most-capped players include Eben Etzebeth, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, John Smit, Jean de Villiers, Siya Kolisi and Percy Montgomery.
De Allende’s milestone would further underline his longevity at international level and his importance to the Springboks over the past decade.
Springboks vs All Blacks: A huge occasion
The first Test of the four-match “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series takes place at Ellis Park on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10 South African time.
The All Blacks have already faced several South African provincial sides during their tour, including the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.
But Saturday’s meeting will have an entirely different significance as the two rugby giants renew one of the sport’s fiercest international rivalries.
For De Allende, however, the spotlight will be particularly personal.
If selected, he will walk onto the Ellis Park pitch just one appearance away from an extraordinary milestone — and potentially leave it as the latest member of the 100-Test Springbok club.
