Dynamite Damian de Allende silences last doubters with Munster masterclass

• Damian de Allende has confirmed his importance to the Springbok cause later this year with another outstanding performance for Munster this past weekend.
• The 29-year-old inside centre was by far the best player on the field in a morale-boosting 27-3 win for his Irish club against nemesis Leinster.
• De Allende has also now clearly won over any remaining doubters, who previously argued he's one-dimensional.

Damian de Allende silenced the already faint debate over who the Springboks' first-choice No 12 will be for the series against the British & Irish Lions by producing yet another outstanding showing for Munster this past weekend.

The dynamic 29-year-old playmaker was named Man of the Match in his Irish club's morale-boosting 27-3 over their nemesis, Leinster, in the opening round of the Rainbow Cup.

It was an all-action performance from the former Stormers stalwart, who beat seven defenders in notching up 58 running metres, the most by any player in the game.

He made one clean break and showed his finesse with two off-loads as well as a try-assist.

Setting up Ireland halfback Connor Murray's first try was arguably the highlight of De Allende's efforts.

He also completed 14 tackles.

De Allende's first season with Munster has undeniably made him win over the remaining doubters who previously argued the World Cup-winning back was a tad one-dimensional.

Not that Johann van Graan, the Springbok assistant coach when De Allende made his international debut back in 2014, had any doubt about signing him.

"What can I say? We have the World Cup's winning inside centre joining us," Van Graan told Sport24 last year.

During my time at the Boks, it was clear from the outset that he's a very versatile player. He's really come into his own as a top-class player. He's a commanding presence on the field."

With a portfolio of excellent performances now under his belt, South African rugby fans are now united in agreement that the man from Milnerton has proven them wrong.