South Africa backs coach Dick Muir has denied suggestions from Wallabies great David Campese that Springboks winger Bryan Habana is “resting on his laurels” after winning the World Cup last year.
Habana, the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year for 2007, has scored just one try in his last eight Tests.
That led Campese to tell South Africa’s Die Burger newspaper:
“Habana likes to talk himself up before games and then nothing happens … it’s as if he is resting on his laurels.”
But Muir hit back today.
“I’d most definitely (reject that accusation).
“You can’t have any players who are resting on their laurels in this side, the competition is so intense and if one player isn’t pulling his weight, he will be replaced.
“I just think that the old phrase about form being temporary but class being forever stands strong for Bryan. He is a classy player and he has shown that in the past.
“He works hard, he really has worked hard. He’s a great personality in the side, he brings a lot to the team, he’s one of those energetic guys who is always all over the show.
“And although his form hasn’t been the greatest of late, he has been working really hard so we expect him to bounce back any minute.”
Muir added he was expecting the team as a whole to raise its game against Scotland at Murrayfield this Saturday after South Africa’s 20-15 win over Wales in Cardiff last weekend.
Benjamin
Guest
Pieterson had a far more effective game in defence against Wales. For the first time he actively sought the tackle. Habana was largely invisible as he was today, hence he was justly replaced around the 50 minute mark. Habana was poor during the 3N and has continued that. On form he is way down the pecking order. His work ethic has been embarassing in contrast to players like Sivivatu and Hynes.
Spiro Zavos
Expert
Bryan Habana virtually saved the Springboks against Wales with a tremendous piece of defensive work. He raced back to tackle a Welsh runner about 20m out from the South Africa try line. Then he got to his feet and attacked the ball on the ground and won the penalty. Fantastic work from the best winger, perhaps with Shane Williams, in the world. .