As the senior member of the back three and one of the leaders of the back line, Bryan Habana is no longer just the Boks’ most potent attacking weapon. He’s now also tasked with an important leadership role, but it is responsibility he welcomes.
”I’m really enjoying being a senior player,” Habana said from the team hotel on Wednesday. ”I’ve never really seen myself in that capacity before, as I’m only 25, but along with Jean de Villiers and Butch James I am one of the senior guys in the back line.
”I really want to grab this new opportunity with both hands. I’ve played 37 Tests and have been really privileged to learn from guys like Percy Montgomery, Jaco van der Westhuyzen and Fourie du Preez. It would be really selfish of me not to pass that information on.
”It’s also great to have Monty in the squad to help me out, as he is obviously playing a major role in bringing through the younger guys as well. The biggest thing he taught me was how to behave as a professional both on and off the field. His work ethic is just inspiring. He has been my mentor when it comes to attitude, and I have so much respect for the way he approaches rugby. I won’t say that to his face, though!”
Habana was particularly complimentary of Tonderai Chavhanga, who started in jersey 14 during last weekend’s victory over the Welsh.
”Tondi is an exceptional player. The way he came back to form following his run of injuries really made me sit up and take note, and he is definitely keeping me on my toes. Hopefully he and I form the kind of combination that JP Pietersen and I managed at the World Cup, and as we play together more I’m confident we will.”
Habana has the daunting challenge of following up a 2007 that included Vodacom Super 14 and World Cup triumphs, as well as the accolade of being named the International Rugby Board Player of the Year.
”To be part of all of that was great; it’s an honour I can’t really express. But just as we as a team have moved on from the World Cup, I can’t live in the past. I don’t want to be seen as the best player in the world for a year or two. I want to be like Victor Matfield, John Smit, Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O’Driscoll. These are guys who have been at the top of the rugby world for six years and more.
”Ultimately it’s all about the team. The Springboks are much bigger than Bryan Habana. It’s not about personal accolades, but in contributing in any and every way to ensure we stay where we are.”
Habana has scored 30 tries in 37 appearances for the Boks. — Sapa