Bryan Habana has emphasised winning over playing “nice rugby” while weighing in on the debate of whether the Springboks or Ireland is the best team in the world.
Fellow former Boks Robbie Fleck and Joel Stransky recently argued that Ireland’s Six Nations credentials will be put in context when they tackle the world champions in July.
While acknowledging the Irish’s impressive record and exciting style of play, the 124-Test Habana highlights the ultimate importance of securing trophies.
“Ireland has an exceptional win ratio, which commands respect,” Habana was quoted by Sport24 this week. “And the brand that Ireland is playing is extremely exciting.
“Yes, the notion of the best team in the world is subjective. Did they [Ireland] not play winning rugby at the World Cup? Yes, they did but came unstuck against New Zealand and we walked away with the World Cup trophy.
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“They can say what they want about being the best team in the world, but that trophy is sitting in South Africa for the next three-and-a-half years.”
Reflecting on South Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph in France, Habana highlights the distinction between playing attractive rugby and winning championships.
“Exciting rugby is great, scoring tries is great, but winning rugby is more important for me,” he said. “You can play the best brand of rugby, but if you aren’t winning tournaments and games, then why do what we do?
“Winning was better than playing nice rugby,” he concluded, drawing from his illustrious career with the Vodacom Bulls, DHL Stormers and French giants Toulon.
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
The post Habana: Boks play to win trophies appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
