Currently playing for the Saitama Wild Knights, Damian de Allende appears to be having a wonderful time back in Japan, displaying some of the skills that have made him such a threat for club and country over so many years.

Having so much world-class international pedigree in the form of just one player has provided DDA’s opponents with much to be cautious about since arriving in the Japan Rugby League One. The clip below from the weekend demonstrates just how much the double World Cup winner brings to the league.

Some filthy footwork by Damian de Allende #SaffasAbroad pic.twitter.com/dFLEUY31IF

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) January 12, 2025

The match finished 48-24 to the hosts, with visitors MIE Honda HEAT having trailed from the 3rd minute.

The Wild Knights now sit comfortably on top of the table, while their opponents find themselves firmly planted in the middle in 6th place.

Meanwhile, Cheslin Kolbe scored his first try of the season for Tokyo Sungoliath, Kwagga Smith his first for Shizuoka BlueRevs, Jesse Kriel scored two for Yokohama Canon Eagles and Kurt-Lee Arendse got a double for Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars.

Kurt-Lee Arendse scoring his third and fourth tries of the season for @DYNABOARS

Both of these were ridiculous. #SaffasAbroad #rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/yrQft3q4YM

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) January 13, 2025

Cheslin Kolbe scoring his first try of the season for @sungoliath #SaffasAbroad #rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/6mgEIckpYk

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) January 13, 2025

Jesse Kriel scoring his first and second try of the season for @Canon_Eagles #SaffasAbroad #rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/aIDkVeH3po

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) January 13, 2025

Kwagga Smith scoring his first try of the season for @bluerevs #SaffasAbroad #rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/sDgihbqDgA

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) January 13, 2025

RugbyDump’s Top 5 Centres of 2024

5 – Robbie Henshaw

Henshaw has to contend with a plethora of midfield riches for both Leinster and Ireland, fighting for the centre positions alongside Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki and Jordie Barrett, but there is a reason that the 31-year-old is a two-time British and Irish Lion tourist. Able to slot in at fullback or either centre position, his versatility has allowed the talented Irishman a long and prosperous career. Although he did perhaps struggle defensively during his younger years, Henshaw has now become the defensive glue that keeps his sides together. Expect the ageing centre to fight for his spot on the tour to Australia in 2025.

4 – Sione Tuipulotu

It was an incredible 2024 for the Australian-born Scotsman. Confirmed as the captain of Scotland ahead of the Autumn Nations Series, he scored a vital try in their win over Australia in the Hopetoun Cup, for which his Greenock-born grandmother surprised him with a visit. Expected to be one of the first names on the plane to Australia for the Lions tour next year.

3 – Jordie Barrett

The biggest men’s transfer news of 2024 was when Barrett announced his move to Leinster, and his performances for the Irish capital side, in the short period since arriving, have been nothing short of mesmeric. Following his transition to inside centre, the youngest Barrett has followed in both his brother’s footsteps in becoming a true world-class player.

2 – Damian de Allende

Often overlooked by the media in favour of his outside partner in the centres, but de Allende possesses all the skills of a legacy twelve. Huge in the contact area and has the softest touches with the ball in hand. Will be remembered this autumn for reducing Ben Earl to dust as South Africa saw England off at Twickenham.

1 – Jesse Kriel

Just over a year ago, Kriel was considered a rotation Springbok player, but now the ruthless centre keeps even the former Men’s World Player of the Year, Lukhanyo Am out of the squad. The 30-year-old is arguably the greatest in the world at the basics, doing nothing majorly flashy but providing the most reliable and consistent midfield displays. A true great of the modern game, would make any side in the world.