We salute Bryan Habana

AN ATHLETE’S debut performance isn’t always an accurate indicator of his potential. But when Bryan Habana made his debut for the Springboks against England at Twickenham in 2004, there could be no doubt about the heights this wing was destined for. He scored a try with his first touch of the ball after coming on as a substitute against the then-World Cup holders, England.

It was the first of his 67 glorious tries in the green and gold. And it was only the beginning of many career highlights to come.

The Springboks’ greatest try-scorer bid farewell to rugby after a brilliant 15-year career on Tuesday, a career that saw him win almost every domestic and international honour rugby has to offer.

The 35-year-old Habana epitomised one of rugby’s oldest and best truisms – there’s just no substitute for pace. Habana possessed raw pace. Devastating pace. And he had that in abundance. But he also offered much more than that. He may not have the bulk and the sheer power of a Jonah Lomu, but he had something else. He had the uncanny knack off anticipating play and exploiting an opportunity. He could read the game extremely well – how else can you score intercept tries like he did?

Looking back over his storied career, Habana won silverware with every team he’s played for – there were his Super Rugby triumphs with the Bulls, his Currie Cup victory with Western Province, two European Champions Cups and a Top 14 title with Toulon, a Tri-Nations Cup with the Boks and, his most cherished achievement in a team, a Rugby World Cup winner’s medal. Then there’s also his individual accolades – like being named SA Rugby Player of the Year three times and World Rugby Player of the Year once.

But those are just numbers and facts on a page. What will live on in the minds and hearts of all those who love rugby is the thrilling memories Bryan Habana gave us, one after the other.

Rugby fans across the globe will miss him. Today we say “Thank you, B11…”