Showing posts with label Rugby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rugby. Show all posts

Friday, 5 September 2014

Habana here we go: let's acnowledge one of South Africa's best backline rugby players on the eve of his 100th test match

Source: Rugby365

Bryan Gary Habana is an institution in the Springbok team and in Perth on Saturday he will become the fourth player to feature in 100 Tests for South Africa.

He described the past 11 years, since his debut against England at Twickenham in 2004, as "an incredible journey: and something he was "very privileged" to be part of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gwehyLYSRwE

"The journey has been one I enjoyed each step of the way, the good and bad times," he said, adding that he believes he has another couple of years left in him.

"It's obviously very special for me to reach this milestone, but this weekend isn't about me," the Bok wing said, adding: "It's about the team and what we want to achieve.

"I've been blessed with many highlights during my career and I'm very thankful for that, as well as the magnificent support I've received from my family, friends, teammates and coaches through the years.

BIO: Bryan Gary Habana
Date of birth: 12 June 1983
Place of birth: Benoni
School: King Edward VII School (KES)
Springbok no: 766
Debut Test province: Lions
Physical: 1.79m, 90kg
Current age: 31

Test summary: Tests: 99 Tries: 56
First Test: 20 November 2004 (age 21) - replacement against England at Twickenham, London
Last Test: 23 August 2014 (age 31) - left wing against Argentina at Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, Salta

He attended Meredale Primary and King Edward VII School before enrolling at the University of Johannesburg (then still called the Rand Afrikaans University) in B.Sc (Information Technology).

He made his provincial debut for the Golden Lions in 2003, his Test debut a year later and played the first of his 118 Vodacom Super Rugby matches in 2005.

To date, Habana has amassed 99 Tests and scored 56 tries, a South African record. He scored his first Test try with his first touch of the ball in an international, against then Rugby World Cup champions England at Twickenham.

On 22 September 2011 he scored his 39th Test try, against Namibia, to surpass Joost van der Westhuizen as the most-prolific try scorer in Springbok history. His 50th Test try was scored against Samoa on 22 June 2013.

All but one of Habana's Test appearances have been on the wing - he played once at outside centre, against Ireland in 2006.

Honours and accolades:
* 2004: Springbok Sevens, SA Under-21, SA Young Player of the Year
* 2005: SA Rugby Player of the Year, Vodacom Super Rugby Player of the Year, Try of the Year (Vodacom Bulls v Blues in Pretoria)
* 2007: IRB Player of the Year, SA Rugby Player of the Year, scored eight tries at RWC to equal the record set by Jonah Lomu in 1995, Try of the Year (Vodacom Bulls v Cell C Sharks in Durban, Vodacom Super Rugby final)
* 2012: SA Rugby Player of the Year, IRPA Try of the Year (against New Zealand in Dunedin)



Thursday, 8 July 2010

Need any hype for the Tri-Nations starting this weekend: All Blacks vs Springboks

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There Louw was, answering questions about the future of Newlands as a venue for rugby and why Cape Town Stadium should not host Springbok v All Blacks Test matches in the future. And the reporter asking the question did not even know the Jan Pickard stand at Newlands was named after Louw’s grandfather!

On Wednesday when De Villiers finally fronted up to the media, he was teased and tempted to let go with one of his controversial statements, but this time the coach stood firm.

He was funny, serious and at times introspective in his approach and did not give the Kiwis anything to nail him on. He even explained the ’big mouth’ quote, saying that like himself, Henry is always honest in what he says. That often results in people not liking them, but according to De Villiers, he does not care what people think about him. The only opinion he cares about is his own.

“And I like myself, thanks,” he said with a smile.

Source: http://www.sport24.co.za/Columnists/JJHarmse

Although Eden Park will look like a construction site on Saturday in preparation of next year's Rugby World Cup in NZ, and therefore only allowing half the amount of spectators to fill the stadium, this is what it should look like by next year:

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Preview: http://www.sarugby.com/news/News/article/sid=13873.html

The Test marks a special milestone for the hosts as it will be 90 years to the day since the All Blacks first played a match at Eden Park. Two All Blacks will also reach significant individual milestones this weekend with hooker Keven Mealamu playing his 75th Test, making him the sixth most capped All Black in history, and flyhalf Dan Carter playing his 70th Test, equaling Andrew Mehrtens' Test match record.

Key Battle: Dan Carter v Morne Steyn. Both match-winning pivots are in scintillating form and will look to dictate matters on Saturday. In order to thrive, however, they’ll need good front foot ball so one can expect an almighty battle up front.

Referee: Alan Lewis

Prediction: The All Blacks have been instilled as marginal favourites to win at home but this Springbok outfit have enough experience, skill and class to snatch a narrow victory. Springboks by 2.


New Zealand

10 Jul 10
09:35

Eden Park
Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand
 

Tony Woodcock1Gurthro Steenkamp
Keven Mealamu2John Smit
Owen Franks3Jannie Du Plessis
Brad Thorn4Bakkies Botha
Tom Donnelly5Victor Matfield
Jerome Kaino6Schalk Burger
Richie McCaw7Francois Louw
Kieran Read8Pierre Spies
Jimmy Cowan9Ricky Januarie
Daniel Carter10Morne Steyn
Josevata Rokocoko11Bryan Habana
Ma'a Nonu12Wynand Olivier
Conrad Smith13Jaque Fourie
Cory Jane14Jean de Villiers
Mils Muliaina15Zane Kirchner
Corey Flynn16Chilliboy Ralepelle
Ben Franks17BJ Botha
Sam Whitelock18Andries Bekker
Liam Messam19Danie Rossouw
Piri Weepu20Ruan Pienaar
Aaron Cruden21Butch James
Richard Kahui22Gio Aplon
   
  • Captain - Richie McCaw
  • Franks at tighthead
  • Rokocoko named on the wing
  • Nonu and Smith back in midfield

 

 
  • Captain - John Smit
  • Fit again Botha and Matfield renew second row partnership
  • Olivier replaces De Jongh at inside centre
  • Kirchner preferred at No 15
  • Rossouw included on the bench
 

Friday, 2 July 2010

Tri Nations Rugby test at 94 000 seater Soccer City

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News has broke that the 21 August 2010 Tri Nations rugby test between South Africa and New Zealand will be held at Soccer City in Soweto.

If you have details of where to buy tickets, add a comment...

Source: www.sarugby.com

”The match, which was originally set to be played at the 60 000-capacity Ellis Park, has been relocated to Soccer City by the Golden Lions Rugby Union for financial purposes. The union realised that it will make a larger profit by staging the game at the 94 000-capacity stadium that will host the 2010 Fifa World Cup final on 11 July.”