Former Springbok U20 centre Jeremy Ward has praised Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, describing the experienced midfield combination as one of the finest centre pairings South Africa has produced.

Ward's comments come ahead of the Springboks' highly anticipated Test against France, where De Allende and Kriel are expected to play important roles in South Africa's efforts to overcome a formidable French side.

The former Junior Springbok captain believes the two centres have established themselves as an outstanding partnership through their consistency, understanding and complementary qualities on the field.

De Allende has built a reputation for his powerful ball-carrying, physical presence and ability to break through defensive lines. Kriel, meanwhile, brings defensive strength, speed and attacking awareness, making the combination particularly difficult for opposing teams to contain.

Their ability to complement each other's strengths has helped make them a reliable option for the Springboks in major international matches. Both players have also gained considerable experience at the highest level, allowing them to handle the demands of physically challenging encounters.

Ward's praise highlights the quality South Africa possess in the midfield as they prepare for another demanding test against France. The French side are expected to provide a serious challenge, meaning the Springboks will need their centres to be effective in both attack and defence.

Although Ward is pursuing his own rugby ambitions in France and hopes to earn further opportunities with the French national team, he has not allowed that to diminish his admiration for the South African pairing.

His assessment adds to the recognition De Allende and Kriel have received for their partnership, which continues to be regarded as a major strength in the Springboks' setup.

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