News24
17 Feb 2020, 19:13 GMT+10
Cape Town - Bryan Habana believes the current Springboks have the potential to go on and do even greater things after winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Speaking as a newly unveiled Academy member at the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin, the most prolific try scorer in South African rugby history - 67 tries in 124 Tests - looked back on what was one of the greatest moments in South African sporting history.
Habana was one of the stars of the side that won the 2007 World Cup in France and had just turned 12 when Francois Pienaar's side famously lifted the Webb Ellis Cup on home soil in 1995, but he believes that the triumphs of 2019 could surpass both of those.
"It was phenomenal," Habana said, reflecting on the 2019 showpiece.
"The stories of guys like Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am are incredible.
"One would hope that this could potentially eclipse 1995 and 2007 put together and that this team and individuals could go on to become real sporting heroes because we saw the sporting euphoria around South Africa last year and it was absolutely brilliant."
Habana's last Test before retirement was 2016's shocking loss Italy in Florence, and while that was not the way he wanted his career to end, he praised the work done by coach Rassie Erasmus in turning the side's fortunes around in such a short space of time.
"Where the team was 18 months ago, to do what they did and become the first team to lose a game at a Rugby World Cup and go on to win it, the first team to win a Rugby Championship and a Rugby World Cup in the same year ... it's absolutely fantastic," said Habana.
The Boks, meanwhile, are up for the Team of the Year award in Berlin on Monday night.
Get a daily dose of Irish Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Irish Sun.
More InformationORLANDO, Florida: For years, Universal Orlando played second fiddle to Disney's sprawling empire in Central Florida. Now, with the...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Transportation Department is expected to say that fuel economy rules created under President Joe Biden went...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York and a top candidate for...
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump re-ignited his trade war on Friday with an extraordinary attack on the European Union...
ATLANTA, Georgia: A judge in Georgia has ruled that Delta Air Lines can continue most of its lawsuit against the cybersecurity company...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. senators from both parties introduced a bill this week aimed at countering China and Russia's growing influence...
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump re-ignited his trade war on Friday with an extraordinary attack on the European Union...
DUBLIN, Ireland: The number of people employed in social media companies in Ireland has dropped by 11 percent since 2022, according...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Farmers and co-op leaders gathered outside the European Commission offices in Dublin this week, voicing opposition...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Ryanair is forecasting a rebound in fares this summer as consumer demand recovers from the impact of high interest...
DUBLIN, Ireland: A marine safety watchdog has urged the Minister for Transport to consider deploying gardai, naval officers, and harbor...
DUBLIN, Ireland: A record number of Ireland's beaches and marinas have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for the 2025 bathing...