Communication error sees wrong Damian named man of the match for Boks

In comical scenes at the end of South Africa’s 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park on Saturday, the wrong Damian was awarded the man of the match award.

In his 50th Test match, Bok fullback Damian Willemse produced a stunning display in all departments - in the air, with ball in hand and with his dynamic running - that caught the attention of South Africans all over the country.

From the commentary box to Rob Houwing’s News24 player ratings, Willemse was the Springboks’ standout performer in his milestone Test.

There were therefore a few raised eyebrows when inside centre Damian de Allende, instead, appeared on television to receive the man of the match award at the post-match presentation.

De Allende put in a solid effort himself, so it didn’t feel totally out of place, but it was difficult to understand how anyone would have rated his performance as higher or better than Willemse’s.

Well, it turns out that Willemse had been voted man of the match by the SuperSport commentary team, but that an error in communication down to the field saw the wrong Damian yanked in front of the cameras and presented with the award.

De Allende looked as bewildered as anyone, but after the match, Willemse laughed off the matter, instead focusing on the team victory.

The Boks will now turn their attention to Scotland, who they meet at Loftus next weekend.