When South Africa face New Zealand this Saturday, history will be made in the Springbok midfield.
Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende are set to extend their remarkable partnership as the most capped centre pairing in Bok history, lining up together for the 39th time.
The Coach’s Call
Head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Thursday that De Allende will wear the No. 12 jersey, with Kriel at No. 13.
In another significant move, Kriel has been handed the captain’s armband, highlighting the trust Erasmus places in his leadership and consistency.
Records That Stand Tall
Their record-breaking tally is unlikely to be matched anytime soon.
The only other active Springbok pairing close to them is De Allende and Lukhanyo Am, who have shared the midfield in 28 Tests.
To put that in perspective, South Africa’s legendary duo Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie combined for 29 Tests together.
Kick-Off Details
The clash takes place at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland, with kick-off scheduled for 09:05 South African time on Saturday, September 6.
It promises to be another classic showdown between two of rugby’s fiercest rivals.
Top Midfield Partnerships in Bok History
Here’s how Kriel and De Allende stack up against other famous South African centre combinations:
-
Damian de Allende & Jesse Kriel – 38 Tests
-
Jean de Villiers & Jaque Fourie – 29 Tests
-
Damian de Allende & Lukhanyo Am – 28 Tests
-
De Wet Barry & Marius Joubert – 18 Tests
-
Hennie le Roux & Japie Mulder – 14 Tests
-
Adrian Jacobs & Jean de Villiers – 14 Tests
-
Ryk van Schoor & Tjol Lategan – 10 Tests
-
John Gainsford & Ian Kirkpatrick – 10 Tests
-
Jean de Villiers & Francois Steyn – 10 Tests
-
Jaque Fourie & Francois Steyn – 10 Tests
New Zealand Line-Up
The All Blacks have announced a strong XV featuring Will Jordan at fullback, Beauden Barrett at fly-half, and Scott Barrett as captain in the second row.
Other key names include Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea, and Codie Taylor.
South Africa Line-Up
For the Boks, Willie le Roux anchors the backline at fullback, with Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie on the wings.
Handre Pollard starts at fly-half, while Siya Kolisi takes his familiar spot at No. 8. Up front, Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx bring power and experience.
Kriel leads the team from outside centre, partnered once again by De Allende inside him.
The Big Question
With this historic milestone, rugby fans are already debating: Is Kriel and De Allende the greatest midfield pairing South Africa has ever seen?
What do you think — do they top the list, or do the legends of the past still hold the crown?