"The complete package" - Lions speedsters dominate Bryan Habana's list of top five wingers

Rugby News
Monday, 06 September 2021 at 10:37
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South Africa legend Bryan Habana has revealed the five toughest wingers he faced during his stellar career, including two Wales stars in his selection.
Anyone who races cheetahs in his spare time is likely to be reasonably rapid and the Jo’burg-born speedster has scorched his way to 67 Test tries - second on the all-time list - including a record-equalling eight to help the ‘Boks win the 2007 World Cup.
Further trophy triumphs followed with Toulon before recent retirement.
Check out who he ranked as his five toughest opponents below.

1. Shane Williams (Wales)

Named world player of the year in 2008, he ended up with 60 Test tries, leaving him fourth on the all-time list behind behind Daisuke Ohata, David Campese and Habana.
HABANA SAID: “Shane was a fantastic player who has given rugby some very exciting moments and was always a good measuring stick when I came up against him.
“He was a bit pumped up on the field in South Africa, but he is the perfect gentleman off the park. I I have looked at some tapes of his playing for the Ospreys and he is just great to watch.”
shane williams wales
DID YOU KNOW? He officially retired from playing at the end of the 2013/14 season, although he returned to play for his home village club, Amman United

#2. Doug Howlett (New Zealand)

A star sprinter as a schoolboy, once clocked a personal best of 10.94 seconds for 100 metres. Used his speed to great effect in his rugby career, scoring a record 49 tries for the All Blacks. A wing with a high work rate and strong defence.
HABANA SAID: "He was the complete package, brilliant on attack and rock solid on defence,”

#3. Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand)

The Fijian-born wing boasts a remarkable strike rate, having scored 46 tries in 68 Tests. When you’ve got speed and strength, you’ve always got a chance and he had both in bucketloads.
HABANA SAID: Joe Rokocoko could make something happen out of nothing and was always a threat on attack. His handling skills were just sublime as well."

#4. George North (Wales)

A player that runs hot and cold depending on injuries, the Welsh powerhouse remains the most entertaining wing in a generation. At full flight there is no-one who can stop the 28-year-old, who earned his first Welsh cap back in 2010.
HABANA SAID: “Scoring two tries on debut against South Africa as an 18-year-old showed he was going to be a force to be reckoned with and he hasn’t fail to deliver.”
george north picks the best 6 nations 2017 players

#5. Julian Savea (New Zealand)

The impact he made demands inclusion, with 46 tries in 54 Tests. A modern-day Lomu in many ways but now out of the All Blacks frame.
HABANA SAID: "Savea’s power, pace and brute strength made him the modern-day Jonah Lomu."
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