De Allende has makings of a Bok

Of the eight uncapped players called up by coach Heyneke Meyer to train with the Springboks, Damien de Allende could be one of the few who remain to face Wales and Scotland in Tests next month.

The Stormers winger has grown his reputation as a player with skill, speed and nearly unstoppable finishing.

De Allende, Sibusiso Sithole, Cornal Hendricks, Marnitz Boshoff, Marcel van der Merwe, Jacques du Plessis, Teboho Mohoje and Lood de Jager are the rookies called up to the squad, which assembles in Durban on Sunday.

Although the coach appeased fans by bringing these in-form and promising newbies into the wider pool, only a few are likely to remain for the international window.

De Allende, who has scored four tries for the Stormers in a tough Super 15 season, received his biggest endorsement from World Cup-winning Bok wing Chester Williams yesterday.

Williams said the 22-year-old has the qualities to push the likes of Bryan Habana, Bjorn Basson and JP Pietersen for a place on the wing.

Said Williams: "He could be a really great international winger. He has proven in the last year or two that he understands the position and he has learnt a lot about what it takes to succeed there.

"I would have him in my squad [for the next month's international window]," Williams said.

"He is what you're looking for in the modern player. He has the size, speed [and] physique and his most important asset is his ability to get into good positions to score tries.

"He can compete with Habana, Pietersen, Basson and Willie le Roux for a starting berth. The others are more experienced but he's a good option for the near future, including the next World Cup."

Williams has also been impressed by Sithole and recalled Sharks winger-cum-fullback Lwazi Mvovo's versatility this season.

Sithole, the former SA Sevens star, made the switch from wing to outside centre with breathtaking results for the Sharks.

He scored a crucial try in the historic win over the Crusaders in Christchurch, New Zealand, at the weekend, showing good support play after Frans Steyn broke the defence.

Mvovo has also been admirable, having swung seamlessly between wing and fullback for the Super 15 log leaders.