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Cape Town - Former Springbok centre Marius Joubert says Stormers centre Damian de Allende deserves to occupy the Bok midfield this year.
Joubert said De Allende was a rare shining light for the Stormers in their 39-19 Super Rugby qualifier defeat to the Brumbies at Newlands last weekend.
“Damian stood out,” Joubert told Netwerk24.
“It’s a pity for the Stormers that they didn’t capitalise on the breaks and kicks he made."
Joubert, who is famous for scoring a hat-trick against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in 2004, said it would be tough for Bok coach Heyneke Meyer to leave De Allende out of his starting team.
“The selectors however have a big problem because centres like Jean de Villiers, Lionel Mapoe and Jan Serfontein are injured.
“The ideal is for your centre pair to start playing together as soon as possible in order for them to form a good combination.
“But how far is Jean from making his comeback for example? He’ll have to prove his readiness. If he’s ready, then the selectors may have to think about shifting Damian to outside centre... (but) Damian made his mark at inside centre.”
De Allende, 23, played three Tests for the Boks last year but injuries prevented him from gaining more experience at international level.
