Allister Coetzee conceded this week that Bryan Habana is “not firing”, but the Stormers coach still believes the Springbok wing will be an important player in the Super Rugby match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night.

Article Courtesy of News24
Habana left the Blue Bulls at the end of 2009 to join Western Province. In his first season in the Cape he scored 7 tries in 14 matches for the Stormers, as well as impressing with his work-rate.

However, his form took a huge dip when playing for the Springboks during the course of last season and it’s his tendency to make big mistakes that is of particular concern.

Examples are the kick-off that he dropped in last year’s Tri-Nations match against Australia and the intercept pass he threw in the weekend’s match against the Highlanders. His tendency to rush out of line on defence was also a major problem at test level last season.

Coetzee last week accused the Cape media of being on Habana’s back. This week he emphasised how important the wing’s x-factor can be to the side.

“Bryan is not firing at the moment, but still does things I appreciate and contributes to the team’s success. He makes a huge contribution with his experience on and off the field,” said Coetzee.

“It’s difficult for me to express in words how much he means to a player like young Danie Poolman and how he communicates at the back.

“I can understand why you are saying he’s disappointing on attack and that people want to see him score more tries. But I appreciate when he does things like chase the ball, catches it and wins turnover possession, or makes a big hit.

“I want him to continue focusing on that, but also be aware that he has the x-factor. We need to get him in positions where he can use it.”

The Stormers’ tactics may, of course, also be playing a role. One try in 240 minutes of Super Rugby points to a side that is not dynamic on attack, though there was an improvement against the Highlanders.

It’s important for the Stormers that their stars produce big performances.

Currently it has to be doubted whether WP have really got value for the considerable sum they invested in Habana.

At the Bulls his record was 37 tries in 61 games, while it now stands at 7 in 17 at the Stormers. Two of his tries in the Cape were scored against a Bulls second string at Newlands last year.

Habana’s 13 tries for the Springboks in 2007 was more than he managed altogether in his next three seasons – 2 in 2008, 4 in 2009 and 2 in 2010.

Of course, one has to consider the tactics of teams in which he played when stating that he is less prolific than before. In 2009 the Springboks used him predominantly to chase kicks by scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, while the Stormers take pride in their defence and “smothering” opponents.

However, it remains a fact that Habana is struggling with his form in spite of those factors.

When clashing with the media at the weekend, Coetzee wanted to know who he should rather pick.
It is probably a fact that Habana is currently a better option in pressure games than JJ Engelbrecht, Marcel Braché or Tythan Adams.

However, it cannot continue like this for too much longer. The last message Coetzee can afford to send is that any player – even those who consider themselves brands – are untouchable.

For Habana there cannot be a better opportunity to show his true colours than a match against his former employer in their back yard.