Willemse award mix-up leaves De Allende holding player-of-the-match trophy

Damian Willemse was the intended player of the match in South Africa’s win over England, but the award was presented to Damian de Allende after a broadcast communication mix-up at Ellis Park.

According to the BBC report, Supersport’s commentary team had chosen Willemse, yet that decision did not reach the pitch-side production team correctly. De Allende therefore took part in the presentation and the related post-match interviews.

The incident came on Willemse’s 50th Test appearance. Playing at full-back, he was credited in the source with a strong all-round performance, including a 50:22 kick, significant metres gained and an important role in South Africa’s attacking play.

The error did not appear to overshadow the Springboks’ celebrations, with Willemse and De Allende marking Willemse’s milestone together. South Africa are next listed to face Scotland in Pretoria, where Willemse is set to fill the inside-centre role while De Allende is rested.