De Allende coming back into form

IN 2015, centre Damian de Allende was on the cusp of becoming a Springbok regular and possible future test great.

But then it all came crashing down through a series of injuries and poor decisions.

But after five rounds of this year’s Super Rugby season‚ De Allende‚ who is now 26‚ is showing more than a hint of the form that made him such an eyecatching prospect nearly three years ago.

Last week‚ against the Blues and more accurately against the Blues midfield featuring Sonny Bill Williams and Rieko Ioane‚ De Allende gave a performance that will be spoken about for years.

What made it more impressive was that he was still struggling against the effects of a vicious flu virus that had decimated the Stormers squad in the week leading up to the match.

He had not trained with the team but only managed a “walk-through” at the captain’s run on Friday before putting his feet up again.

But on match day‚ he delivered 65 minutes of inspired play that saw him twice put Williams on the seat of his pants while carving off impressive metres and marshalling the Stormers defence.

It was just a continuation of his form on the tour to New Zealand where he gave sparkling displays against the Crusaders and Highlanders.

By half time against the Blues though‚ De Allende was running on empty.

“He was incredibly pale at half time‚ I was worried about him‚” coach Robbie Fleck said.

He managed another 25 minutes through sheer force of will.

Not that it stopped him making eight ball carries in total and carving off 78 metres in the game to bring his season’s tally to 415 running metres.

That is third highest in the competition behind wings Melani Nanai and Aphiwe Dyantyi‚ who generally have more space to move.

Last year, he looked set for another big season‚ if 63 minutes of Super Rugby in round one was enough to make a judgment.

In that time against the Bulls‚ De Allende caused endless problems with 85 running metres and three line breaks before sustaining a severe ankle injury that sidelined him for four months.

In 2016, his season also failed to get off the ground after he had only four days off between the 2015 season‚ which included playing for the Boks at the World Cup‚ before playing club rugby in Japan.

He was injured early in the campaign and never found his form later in the year.

“I’ve had a good preseason and I felt refreshed going into this campaign‚” De Allende said.

“Injuries are always a risk so I’m just enjoying my rugby at the moment.”