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Cape Town – Bryan Habana is the best wing in the world.
There would have been few protests at such a statement a few seasons ago, but Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck emphasised it here again on Thursday just before the Cape team’s Super Rugby campaign gets under way this weekend.
“There is not anyone else that I would rather have. Bryan is the best wing in the world,” said Fleck.
“I think he’s a class act and it’s great to have him on the training field. He may make one or two errors, but it’s just because he’s trying to do so much. People forget about his huge work-rate. I’m very happy with him.”
Habana’s record of 44 tries in 75 Super Rugby matches as well as the 38 touchdowns in 68 Tests is testimony to a man who should be recognised as one of the big names of his generation.
On Saturday, at Newlands, it’s Habana against the Lions’ acquisition from Free State, Lionel Mapoe. The youngster will obviously view it as a good chance to strengthen his bid for a Green and Gold jersey.
The outcome of their duel will, of course, be dependent on many other factors, though the wings will have an important role to play.
Habana also has to play the role of mentor as Danie Poolman will be making his Super Rugby debut on the right wing for the Stormers.
The 21-year-old product of Paul Roos Gymnasium finished ninth on the list of leading point scorers in the national under-21 league last year without kicking at goal. He scored 17 tries for Western Province’s u-21 side.
Fleck believes that Poolman and flyhalf Gary van Aswegen have done enough in the pre-season to justify their debuts.
“Gary likes to control the game. He is calm, doesn’t make many errors and has a beautiful pass. We want our flyhalves to be distributors,” said Fleck.
“Danie is a big wing who finishes well. He did well in the pre-season, but we’d like to get the ball to him more.
“Super Rugby will be a step up for the youngsters, but they realise there will be less time for decision-making. They have trained with seasoned players and are playing alongside experienced guys.”
Cape Town – Bryan Habana is the best wing in the world.
There would have been few protests at such a statement a few seasons ago, but Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck emphasised it here again on Thursday just before the Cape team’s Super Rugby campaign gets under way this weekend.
“There is not anyone else that I would rather have. Bryan is the best wing in the world,” said Fleck.
“I think he’s a class act and it’s great to have him on the training field. He may make one or two errors, but it’s just because he’s trying to do so much. People forget about his huge work-rate. I’m very happy with him.”
Habana’s record of 44 tries in 75 Super Rugby matches as well as the 38 touchdowns in 68 Tests is testimony to a man who should be recognised as one of the big names of his generation.
On Saturday, at Newlands, it’s Habana against the Lions’ acquisition from Free State, Lionel Mapoe. The youngster will obviously view it as a good chance to strengthen his bid for a Green and Gold jersey.
The outcome of their duel will, of course, be dependent on many other factors, though the wings will have an important role to play.
Habana also has to play the role of mentor as Danie Poolman will be making his Super Rugby debut on the right wing for the Stormers.
The 21-year-old product of Paul Roos Gymnasium finished ninth on the list of leading point scorers in the national under-21 league last year without kicking at goal. He scored 17 tries for Western Province’s u-21 side.
Fleck believes that Poolman and flyhalf Gary van Aswegen have done enough in the pre-season to justify their debuts.
“Gary likes to control the game. He is calm, doesn’t make many errors and has a beautiful pass. We want our flyhalves to be distributors,” said Fleck.
“Danie is a big wing who finishes well. He did well in the pre-season, but we’d like to get the ball to him more.
“Super Rugby will be a step up for the youngsters, but they realise there will be less time for decision-making. They have trained with seasoned players and are playing alongside experienced guys.”
