Bryan Habana thanks Springboks after breaking record – Rugby World Cup news
South African International Rugby Union player, Bryan Habana, has expressed his gratitude to his fellow Springboks players for the role they have played in him becoming the nation’s top try scorer. Habana scored his record 39th international try
during the 23rd minute of the Springboks pool D encounter of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) against the Namibia on Thursday, September 22 at North Harbour Stadium, North Shore City.
Commenting on his achievement, Habana said, “It is really wonderful that I broke the record, but without my team-mates and the coaching teams that have worked with me over the last few years, none of this would be possible.”
Habana was playing his first match of the 2011 RWC after recovering from an injury. The player had to wait for 15 months to surpass Joost van der Westhuizen’s previous record of 38 tries. Habana levelled with the Joost van der Westhuizen, in June 2010.
The 28-year-old Habana has paid tribute to the Springboks World Cup winning backs player, Van der Westhuizen. He said, “It has been great, and it is a huge honour and privilege to be able to break records and pass someone like Joost who gave so much back
to Springbok rugby.”
Earlier this year, Van der Westhuizen has been diagnosed with a severe motor neuron disease and the doctor’s have termed the disease to the former springboks international as un-curable.
The utility backs player Habana made his debut for the South Africa in 2004, against the England. He so far has 72 international matches for the Springboks, which includes 70 starts and just 2 appearances from the bench. He so far has scored 195 points,
which comprises of his 39 impressive international tries.
Habana has expressed his hope that he can play a positive role in the team’s success in their remaining matches of the 2011 RWC. Springboks are the defending champions and after a relatively poor build up to their RWC campaign, they are now on track to successfully
defend their title.
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