Latest news with #DeAllende
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Shocking Lions incident that had fans calling for Maro Itoje to be banned
Marjson Itoje will skipper the British and Irish Lions against Australia, and the lock will be desperate to ensure he keeps his cool in Brisbane following previous calls for him to be banned Maro Itoje will take the reins as British and Irish Lions captain for Saturday's Test opener against Australia, marking the start of their summer campaign. He's expected to lead by example as the squad eyes an early series advantage. Having stumbled against Argentina in Dublin prior to their trip, the Lions have since gone unbeaten in five matches on Australian ground. But things will heat up in Brisbane, where Itoje faces scrutiny both for his conduct and his impact. That's partly due to past controversy. During the 2021 South Africa tour, the Saracens lock drew heavy criticism after a high-profile clash with Damian de Allende, with the 30-year-old becoming the focus of outrage from Springboks fans and South African media outlets for his in-game antics. He was seen pressing his knee onto De Allende's upper body - specifically around the chest, shoulder, and neck - during the second Test in Cape Town. That match ended 27-9 in South Africa's favour, tying the series before the decider. De Allende retaliated from the ground by dragging Itoje down and then shoving him in the head. Itoje responded by complaining to referee Ben O'Keeffe. Although no action was taken against either, the online backlash was severe. One fan posted to X: "[Maro Itoje] should be banned after his knee on De Allende's neck! That's dangerous." Another user said: "Itoje also deserved red for this. This is intentional." "Shocked he wasn't thrown out of the game," another comment read. One supporter wrote: "Unacceptable! Maro had a terrible game overall, actually. Complaining and moaning." Itoje, though, seems to have turned the page. His recent form suggests he's grown into the leadership role, becoming a consistent presence throughout the preparatory fixtures. He was on the scoresheet in the Lions' 52-12 rout of the Queensland Reds, showcasing endurance and focus throughout the match. Australia, led by ex-Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, will likely make Itoje a priority target as they seek to disrupt the Lions' plans at Lang Park. Itoje is set to line up in the second row alongside Joe McCarthy and is one of four Englishmen in the starting side, joined by Ellis Genge, Tom Curry, and Tommy Freeman. But more than anything, Itoje must avoid the sort of confrontations that invite disciplinary trouble. With the captain's armband now on his arm, fans will hope he's left the drama behind and embraced the responsibility.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fans called for Lions star Maro Itoje to be banned after ugly incident
Maro Itoje will take on the captaincy for the British and Irish Lions in their opening Test against Australia on Saturday. As they kick off their summer series, the England lock will be looked upon to set the tone with his leadership. Despite a loss to Argentina in Dublin prior to heading Down Under, the Lions have since been unbeaten, securing five victories out of five on Australian turf. However, the heat is about to be turned up in Brisbane, where Itoje will need to be on top form. This comes after the Saracens star faced intense scrutiny during the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa. The 30-year-old was lambasted by hordes of Springboks supporters and South African media following an altercation with centre Damian de Allende. In fact, some even called for Itoje's suspension after he was seen on camera kneeling on De Allende's chest, shoulder and neck area. This incident occurred during the second Test in Cape Town, which South Africa clinched 27-9, levelling the series ahead of the final match. Double Rugby World Cup champion De Allende retaliated by tackling Itoje from the ground. He then stood over the England forward and shoved him in the head before Itoje made his own appeal to referee Ben O'Keeffe. Neither player faced any immediate punishment, but that didn't stop the online community from passing judgement on the unfortunate incident. And it seemed that the majority of fans on social media believed Itoje was at fault. There were calls for Itoje to be suspended following his clash with De Allende (Image: Sky Sports) One viewer expressed their concern on X, writing: "[Maro Itoje] should be banned after his knee on De Allende's neck! That's dangerous." Another fan was equally critical, saying: "Itoje also deserved red for this. This is intentional." A third spectator was surprised by the lack of action taken during the game, stating: "Shocked he wasn't thrown out of the game." A Springboks supporter also weighed in, remarking: "Unacceptable! Maro had a terrible game overall, actually. Complaining and moaning." Despite the controversy, Itoje has moved past the incident with stellar performances this summer. As Lions captain, he has been one of Andy Farrell's standout players throughout the warm-up matches, justifying his leadership role. Itoje will captain the British and Irish Lions against Australia (Image:) Itoje found himself on the score sheet in the Lions' emphatic 52-12 victory over Queensland Reds earlier in July. His endurance and high performance levels throughout full matches continue to earn him praise. With a match against Australia at Lang Park on Saturday, he is expected to be a key focus for the Wallabies as they look to exploit any weaknesses in the Lions' strategy. Joe Schmidt, the former Ireland head coach now leading Australia, is well aware of the threat posed by the opposing captain. In the second row, Itoje will team up with Leinster's Joe McCarthy. He is one of four England players in the starting lineup, joining Ellis Genge, Tom Curry, and Tommy Freeman in Farrell's chosen XV. However, it's Itoje's responsibility to avoid getting drawn into trivial disputes that could lead to disciplinary action. Supporters will be hoping that his new role as captain will discourage him from participating in any such altercations.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Moodie excited to link up with ‘world-class' De Allende
Canan Moodie and Damian de Allende will start in the midfield against Georgia on Saturday. Rising Springbok star Canan Moodie said he is eager to feed off the experience of Damian de Allende when the two play in the midfield against Georgia on Saturday. South Africa take on Georgia for just the third time in rugby, with the kick-off at Mbombela Stadium at 5.10pm. Moodie, 22, has 13 caps under his belt and is still relatively new to international rugby, though he's already featuring in his fourth season in green and gold and has a World Cup title to his name. By comparison, 33-year-old De Allende has 89 caps from an illustrious 11-year career that has seen him play in three World Cups, winning two. He could earn his 100th Test cap by the end of this season or at least in the early stages of the next one. Moodie to feed off De Allende The pair were chosen to start against Georgia, with De Allende at his customary inside centre role and Moodie on the outside. It's the second Bok appearance for Moodie this season after missing the friendly against the Barbarians and first Test match against Italy. He played 56 minutes in the second Test, attacking hard and scoring a great try in the first half. He played at outside centre again, though he is often positioned on the right wing, particularly at club level. 'I'm very grateful to get the backing of the coaches to play me at 13,' Moodie said on Tuesday. 'It's going to be very exciting for me to play with a world-class centre like Damian, to know he will make the right decisions, and I [will] just play off him. So I am very grateful for the opportunity to play again.' He said there is much competition for places in the squad, but this is healthy. 'When guys are gunning for a spot, it is very competitive in our training weeks. We got psyched up the whole week for the Italian game and we wanted to prove a point. We just had to transfer that into Saturday. I think we were all [ready] for whatever talent Italy had to throw at us.' Moodie happy for Grant Williams, who earns another start The centre added he was happy for Grant Williams — who also scored a try in the second Test against Italy — to earn a start again. 'When I was still at school and Grant was still going through his journey, the tough journey he had to club rugby… Now we get to score tries on the international stage. So it's very special momento [tries against Italy] to see how far we've come and the things we've done so far.'
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
100 Test caps not crucial but would be ‘flipping special' — De Allende
'I've had a long career and a very enjoyable career. Made some great mates, made some great memories with them on and off the field, that will stick with me [more] than just the amount of Test matches.' While he's not as close as his friend and Springbok teammate Willie le Roux, Damian de Allende said reaching 100 Test caps in the next season or two would be 'flipping special'. However, the memories he has made over a long and enjoyable career will stick with him more than any milestone would. All eyes are on 35-year-old fullback Le Roux, who needs only two more matches to reach the prestigious landmark. He's been included in Rassie Erasmus' 45-man squad for the early season and is expected to be given less game time after reaching it, to make way for rising stars Aphelele Fassi or Quan Horn, or the arguably more consistent but injury-prone Damian Willemse. Meanwhile, 33-year-old centre De Allende is currently on 87 Test caps. He earns a dozen or so caps every year – 15 in fact, last season. Even with Erasmus rotating the squad regularly last season, the double World Cup winner still started almost all of those games. So chances are good he will win many more caps until the likes of Ethan Hooker find their feet as back-up for De Allende, Jesse Kriel and André Esterhuizen, who are now all in their 30s. 'It won't be the end of the world' 'I'd love to achieve it [the milestone] but if it doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world,' De Allende said. 'If it does happen, it will be flipping special and I will cherish and enjoy it. But if it doesn't happen, at least I know I gave it everything. I left it all out there and gave it the best chance possible.' The centre said he is taking it as it comes, not thinking beyond the next chance to put the Springbok jersey on. 'If I get the opportunity to play again, I will put both hands up and train week in and week out to make sure the team is better. If it happens, it happens – it will be a great achievement, but if it doesn't, it won't be the end of the world. 'I've had a long career and a very enjoyable career. Made some great mates, made some great memories with them on and off the field, that will stick with me [more] than just the amount of Test matches.' De Allende playing with more freedom in his latter years He said even after winning two World Cups, one Rugby Championship, two Currie Cups, the Japanese league, and being named Super Rugby's Player of the Year, his age and accomplishments have only inspired him to play with more freedom and keep improving. 'It feels like the older I get, the more I enjoy myself, the less pressure there is on me and the less pressure I put on myself. 'It comes with age where you start learning about yourself more and you start learning that you enjoy rugby, or sport, a lot more, knowing that you only have a few more years left in you.'
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok star Damian de Allende playing with more freedom, eyes Stormers return
Springbok centre Damian de Allende is close to reaching 100 caps. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Damian de Allende has this strong urge to end his illustrious career under Table Mountain for the Stormers. With his contract in Japan set to run until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the Springbok inside centre pinned his hopes on staying fresh and healthy to have his international swansong at the tournament Down Under. If everything goes according to plan and he can help the Boks to a third title in a row, he will look to move back home to have one last hurrah in the blue-and-white hoops of the Cape side. 'A third World Cup win would be great to finish off a long career,' De Allende said this week during the Bok camp in Johannesburg. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I have about two seasons left in Japan and I really enjoy it there. 'My body still feels very good, and I will see how it is after the next two years. 'Ideally, I would like to complete my rugby career in South Africa, and I would only like to finish in Cape Town. 'So, if the chance does come, and I can play a season or two there for the Stormers and WP, I would love to. 'But we will see when the time comes. I don't see myself finishing my career anywhere else but Cape Town.' For now, De Allende has his sights set on maintaining his current form to keep his World Cup dream alive. He's been South Africa's in-form No 12 since Erasmus took over in 2018, and has been a mainstay in the Bok midfield. 🔥40 000 and counting! 🔥 Cape Town is turning green and gold for the @Barbarian_FC vs #Springboks blockbuster 🏉 Don't miss out - get your hands on tickets from just R950, in celebration of the 1995 RWC final 🎟 Get yours now via @Ticketmaster: — Springboks (@Springboks) June 19, 2025 Although some promising inside centres are making their mark in the United Rugby Championship, and Sharks strong man André Esterhuizen has been blowing in his neck for that jersey, the 33-year-old double World Cup winner is primed not to take his foot off the accelerator just because he is reaching the latter stage of his career. 'For me, it is just the enjoyment of rugby, especially playing in Japan,' the former UCT midfielder from Milnerton said. 'The game is a lot faster there than the other leagues I've played in in the past. 'I know sometimes when you've achieved so much in rugby, you could lose motivation. But reaching those goals has inspired me to get better. 'I am trying to enjoy my rugby more, and to play with more freedom and a lot less pressure. 'It feels like the older I get, the less pressure there is on me, and I put less on myself. 'You start learning about yourself a lot more at this age.' What a sight 🥹 Who else is excited to see the Bomb Squad in action this year?#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 18, 2025 De Allende is looking forward to the new season, especially working more closely with attack coach Tony Brown. He says Brown's input in his first season has been invaluable not just to the players, but South African rugby. The hope is that the Boks can evolve even further under the New Zealander. 'It was massively important to get someone like Tony Brown in to test our skills and to teach us new ones, and how and when to move the ball, especially before contact,' he said. 'Rugby is changing, the rules are changing. You can see in some competitions the refs do not want to give scrum penalties. 'It's been incredible under him for us older guys over the last season, and seeing the skills development of the forwards has been incredible. 'We will go from strength to strength this season, and by next year and the World Cup, it will be exciting for SA rugby.' #ForeverGreenForeverGold ♬ Boy - ODESZA @ We're as excited as Lood de Jager to see Malcolm Marx come around the corner... in green & gold 😍 Head over to Ticketmaster to buy your tickets for the Springboks vs Barbarians at DHL Stadium 🎟️ #Springboks Reaching 100 Bok Test caps will be 'flippin special' according to the inside centre, and it is something he has thought about. He is currently on 87 Tests, and could reach that milestone over the next two seasons. But he will be content if he doesn't reach it, knowing that he's had a long, healthy and enjoyable career in the Springbok jersey. 'I will really cherish and enjoy it if it does happen. If it doesn't, it's not the end of the world,' the No 12 said. 'I will at least know that I left it all out there and gave it my best chance. 'I want to put both hands up, and train hard week in and week out to ensure the team is better.'
