Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is no stranger to controversy, but appears to be taking care not to venture into that territory.
On Tuesday, the Bok coach sidestepped a question on why ticket sales for Saturday’s test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium might be so slow.
“If you had been in my shoes for the past three months and you think there was space for anything but rugby in this head, then you are wrong. I am now focusing on rugby and rugby only,” said De Villiers.
“If this team can get away with a good performance and a nice win, then I have achieved everything I want to. It’s always nice to play in front of a good crowd, but 50 people can also make a hell of a noise. I hope half the crowd there will be wearing green jerseys.”
With De Villiers having apparently decided to leave the spreading of Bible verses at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff to the Gideons, the tour’s first storm in a teacup came through Bryan Habana via Twitter.
Habana appeared to take offence at a rugby fan who tweeted “time to retire, bud” at him “How about you take your negativity elsewhere. And I’m not your bud!” was the response from Habana to “burgertmull”.
Springbok spokesperson Andy Colquhoun said that Habana had not broken the rules on social media and that the exchange was not viewed as a problem.
“There are guidelines on social media interaction. It comes down to not doing anything that brings the game into disrepute. He did not say anything offensive and it’s not anything to get excited about,” said Colquhoun.
If Habana scores a try on Saturday, he will become the lone record-holder of most test tries for the Boks. He shares the record of 38 with Joost van der Westhuizen.
Article from News24
It is maybe near Habana, you had your 7 dry years(games), maybe in the next game it will be your dream try. Your last Test tries were against Italy, come on, break it now. Go big or…. maybe you’re not destined to break Joost vd Westhuizen’s record.
Hougaard should be on the wing and Habana on the bench.
Leave Habana alone, he is slowly getting back to form, I am sure it is as difficult for him to know he is struggling as it is for us to watch.
With the amount of ball he and Basson recieved on the weekend it was not really possible for him to shine. He started chasing kicks again and seems to be looking for some work.
I think if we have a dry track on the weekend he will shine with ball in hand.
I am not “burgertmull”, I promise.
But Bryan Habana better start doing something, there are 2 left wings virtually begging to take his place, with continued great performances, week after week… Bjorn Basson & Lwazi Mvovo.
He can deem himself lucky he is the “witbroodjie” of the selectors and coaches….
GBS, then there is also Nokwe once he is fit again. He REALLY helped the Cheetahs cause this year.
I have a world of respect, gratitude and support for Habs. What a legend.
Remember, in the past 3 years he has gone through a change in Bok coaching staff. A chance in Super Rugby and provincial coaching staff, a HELL of a lot of attention, on and of the field, and the guy haven’t had a serious injury or break away from the game in forever.
Maybe thats all he need…
4@ Greenpoint-Gunner:
I have a lot of respect for Habana too, always had.
But this year, defensively… at the Bokke (strangely enough not at the Stormers or Province) Bryan has been simply woeful.
This past Saturday again, both Irish tries were scored on his side of the field, with the last one clearly showing Habana going for the wrong intercept option yet again, in addition to Gio’s pathetic attempt.
Best defender of the 3 left wings on tour… Ok add Nokwe into the mix as well… four SA left wing contenders (not that I think Nokwe is close), is Mvovo…. by a country mile!!
Add to the equasion Francois Hougaard who played left wing for the Bulls in the Super 14…. his defence is just as good, better on left wing at defence than everyone mentioned bar maybe Mvovo…. not that I would want Hougie back on left wing for now.
Whatever Habana’s trouble, whether he needs a 3 month break or needs to get his technique and head sorted.. that needs to be done, until then he is NOT THE BEST LEFT WING IN SA anymore… simple as that.
@ grootblousmile:
I agree Mvovo is the biggest contender on left wing. He has an amazing ability to break through tackles, and I like the way he is always looking for options in the offload or looking for work.
Hopefully he will get a start against scotland. If he can play well there he will most likely also start against the Barbarians.
6@ biltongbek:
It’s between Mvovo and Basson…
I believe Bjorn Basson is the more clinical finisher, but Mvovo is the better defender.
Neither are shabby but I would choose Mvovo because in a World Cup year, defence is critical, he’s no slouch in finishing either… and like you say, he looks for work, I like that!
@ grootblousmile:
8@ Morné:
Eishhhhhhh, yip, not cool by Habana… if I’m right the clips only reflect 2010…
@ grootblousmile:
Correct.
8@ Morné:
Remember this one… Ngwenya?
… sorry could not find a Habana Springbok 2010 Highlites video…. hehehe
10@ Morné:
This is also 2010….
@ grootblousmile:
GBS, absolutely, you CAN even add Hougaard in there. Though I think he should focus on 9, and becoming the complete package he can be (not the best 9 YET)
Also agree on Nokwe, but then again we haven’t seen him in action in such a long time. And he wil take some time to get back up to speed. Not the kakkest out there though.
But its like I said, Habana needs a break, at least from the national setup.
Also, I think that the Bok backline is in shambles at the moment. Not because of the players, or even all the injuries, but because there is no structure, and there is a Dick Muir… IMO
@ grootblousmile:
I read on some earlier posts of yours that you should get to see the Boks game and then go to birthday party on Saturday, I hope you have got your klein sus a nice present, 50 is a special one to celebrate.
15@ Bullscot:
Luckily I’m a few years behind Sister in Law, as far as birthdays go…..
I’ll watch the Bokke, even if I have to arrive late for the party… and get an ear full from Handbriekie about that…
@ grootblousmile:
Oh sorry man I thought it was your YOUNGER sister 🙂
17@ Bullscot:
Hey whatchit… I don’t look a day over 75…. hehehe
Bought my Baa Baa’s tickets today…me and PaulD and JL1 and Willie van Zyl are going….and a couple of their mates.
19@ 4man:
Saw that on Mail… you must enjoy!
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