Damian de Allende is relishing the prospect of facing some familiar faces when the Springboks take on Japan at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.
The world champions will get their Autumn Nations Series campaign underway against the Brave Blossoms and it will be a special occasion for De Allende as he has been plying his trade at club level in Japan for several seasons now.
Following their clash with Eddie Jones’ troops, the Boks will face France in Paris (November 8), Italy in Turin (November 15), Ireland in Dublin (November 22) and Wales in Cardiff (November 29).
Keen to take on some club-mates
Experienced inside centre De Allende admits that while facing several of his regular foes from the Japan Rugby League One competition is something which he is looking forward to, he is more excited about heading into battle against some of his Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights club-mates.
“It’s very exciting to get to play against Japanese players from other clubs, but this weekend I’m more excited to enjoy myself and play against some teammates from the Panasonic Wild Knights because I know how good and how tough they are,” said De Allende, who will make his 94th Test appearance for South Africa on Saturday.
“I’m also looking forward to the other challenges I enjoy, so hopefully I can go out there on Saturday and make sure I represent my country the way I always do.
“I’ve played against Japanese centre Charlie Lawrence a few times, and it has always been a great battle. He’s very powerful and quick on his feet.
“There is also Dylan Riley, who I’ve played with in Japan, and he’s deceptively fast and strong, so it’s going to be a fast, intense, and physical game.”
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After being crowned Rugby Championship winners for the second successive year earlier this month, the Boks are firmly entrenched as the number one ranked team in World Rugby’s official rankings, while Japan currently occupy 13th position.
Wary of the Brave Blossoms
Despite that, the 33-year-old is not underestimating his opponents, although he knows what to expect from the Brave Blossoms.
“We’ve been preparing for a fast game because that’s the way the Japanese really want to play, but it will be equally important to play our brand of rugby and on our terms,” said De Allende.
“Japan got stuck in against Australia when they lost by only four points last weekend, so it’s going to be a hard game.”
Saturday’s clash will be a special one for De Allende as it will be the first time he will be in action at Wembley Stadium, although he is no stranger to the famous sports venue.
“I watched the Boks play the Barbarians there before, as well as an NFL match, and the rugby league match between England and Australia last week, but I’ve never played on the pitch,” he said.
“The stadium looks beautiful. It has a lot of history and heritage, so I’m looking forward to being part of this match.”
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AloJapan.com