In-form Springbok midfielder Damian de Allende believes the team is on the right track as they gear up for the World Cup in 2023.
The 29-year-old Capetonian should be one of the players considered for the SA Rugby Player of the Year award later this year - especially after capping a tough year with some fine performances on South Africa’s tour of the UK which ended in a heartbreaking 27-26 defeat to England last weekend.
Outscored three tries to one in that match, De Allende doesn’t think the problem lies in the Bok game plan.
He explains: “We have grown this year - obviously there is a need to adapt with how laws are changing and people want to see attractive rugby.
“The way we play to our systems is very good and that gives us opportunities out wide. We’ll keep on improving our skills in wider channels.
“There were opportunities we didn’t take on the field [against England] - we just have to execute a lot better. We’re on the right path…”
Of the year that was, he adds: “It’s been a massive year - being in and out of bubbles. The most I’ll take out of the year is the memories, we had to create new memories in the squad…”
The Boks now take a break before welcoming Wales in July 2022.
dudley.carstens@inl.co.za