Habana's 'burning desire'
2008-07-03 22:13
Stephen Nell
Wellington, New Zealand - Springbok wing Bryan Habana has revealed his "burning desire" to play in a team that can beat the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Habana, the International Rugby Board's player of the year after South Africa's 2007 World Cup triumph, was also in the Bulls team that won the Super 14 title in the same year.
But he has not played for a winning Springbok team in New Zealand.
The All Blacks are one match away from being undefeated in 30 successive Test matches at home.
"But we'd like to show we are worthy of our No 1 position in the world rankings," Habana said here on Thursday.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for every player; not only to wear the green and gold, but also to play against one of the best teams in the world.
"To win here, is a dream and a desire that burns in each of us."
The sun broke through the clouds for a short while on Thursday but it remains to be seen how much Habana will see of the ball if it rains during the Tri-Nations Test at the Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Fast, big and skilful
Habana and All Black wing Sitiveni Sivivatu will certainly enjoy any opportunity to test each other.
"I'd like to know what they feed their wings here," the Springbok flyer said on Thursday.
"They weigh 105kg and they run the 100m in ten seconds. To me as a wing, they are the best opponents anyone can play against.
"They're so fast, big and skilful. It's going to be a challenge."
Habana and the other members of the rear triangle in the SA team, right wing Odwa Ndungane and fullback Conrad Jantjes, are able to launch dangerous counterattacks.
"Odwa played well in the Super 14 and Conrad's form is good. I'm excited about being in a team with guys who are playing well.
"If I can do something to make the guys around me look better, I'd be happy."
The Springboks looked relaxed on Thursday when coach Peter de Villiers announced the team for the match.
South Africa will field a more experienced squad than New Zealand, but the All Blacks have not lost at home since 2003.
That defeat, 15-13 to England, was also in Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
The last time South Africa won a Test in New Zealand was in 1998 - also in Wellington, but at the old Athletic Park. The score was 13-3.
- Die Burger