Stormers play it cool

Centre Damian de Allende's performances in the opening five rounds of Super Rugby have caught the eye but the bruising midfielder is playing down selection for the Rugby World Cup.

Flank Siya Kolisi, who was superb in a losing cause against the Chiefs last Saturday, is also reluctant to talk about Springbok selection later in the year.

De Allende's ability to occupy two or more defenders on the gain line is not a listed statistic but is vital, while his official numbers are stacking up nicely.

He is in the top five in defenders beaten (16), try assists (2) and clean breaks (6) while he's seventh on turnovers won and ninth in offloads. Impressive numbers, especially packed in a 1.89m, 101kg frame.

He struggled with a knee injury last year that hampered his first two Tests against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

He earned his third cap off the bench against Wales in November but has not had the chance to show his best at the highest level.

His five outings this season have underlined what a great talent he is. "I'm feeling good and the team has been doing well, and that's when you can stand out as an individual," De Allende said.

"The forwards have been going well and there has been a dominant set piece, which has given us a good platform.

"I enjoy playing inside centre, but I'll take every opportunity that comes my way, even if that is on the wing or at outside centre."

Last week he shaded his personal duel with All Black superstar Sonny Bill Williams. De Allende said he didn't especially psych himself up for that encounter.

On one attack he skinned Williams on the outside in a move that nearly led to the opening try.

"We turned the ball over in the lineout and that gave me a bit of space to run at SBW and get on his outside. I wasn't more psyched up for facing him than I have been for any other game."

Kolisi said he was just trying to keep his place in the Stormers back row rather than worrying about Bok selection.

After an injury-plagued 2014 that also included the birth of a son, which took his focus off the game, Kolisi is in a positive frame of mind.

"I've started this season slowly and working on simple things," Kolisi said. "I'm doing the best I can for the team and not worrying about my individual performances. That will take care of itself.

"I've just got to be everywhere on the field, so I have to be fully match fit and once I'm fully fit it will go even better.

"I can't focus on making the World Cup squad because I'm not at my best yet. I'm not even secure in my place in the Stormers yet.

"Last year was tough with injuries but I had time to sort my personal life out away from rugby. It's given me a lot of motivation to give my best. It's not negative to have a dip of a year. I'm so motivated now."