Dynamic wingers set Tri-Nations pace
The wing is one of the most dynamic positions in Union Rugby. Usually the fastest man on the field, the winger is charged with the task of finishing off a run by crossing the line for the all important try. The Tri-Nations tournament is filled with exceptional wing players.
Bryan Habana – 57 Caps – South Africa Springboks
Habana started his career in 2004 developed by the Golden Lions, and played well for his club team. His success as a youngster drew the attention of the Boks, who chose him to register his first cap against England that November. Habana went on to appear in three more matches that season, but was only able to score one try.
2005 was a break-out year for Habana as he had a great deal of success in his first Tri-Nations cup. The season’s success led to him being nominated for International Rugby Player of the year, as well as being named South African Rugby player of the year.
In 2007 Habana was selected to South Africa’s World Cup squad. That year the Springboks won the World Cup and Habana registered a record-breaking eight tries in the tournament. His international success led to him being named the IRB player of the year.
In 2009 Habana won the Super 14 with the Bulls, and was part of the Tri-Nations champion Springboks side.
Joe Rokocoko – 63 Caps – New Zealand All Blacks
Rokocoko burst onto the scene in 2003, earning his first caps with the All Blacks scoring 25 tries in just 20 tests. His massive offensive output broke the record for most tries in one test season. His success led top being named IRB’s best new player.
Rokocoko joined the Auckland side for the 2004 New Zealand Provincial Cup, and rejoined the All Blacks in 2005. Rokocoko continued his successful play over the next two years, finishing 2006 with 35 tries in just 39 tests, pushing his total to 40 tries in only 60 tests. In addition, he has scored four hat-tricks in his young career, the most recent coming in 2007 against Romania.
At 27 Rokocoko struggled through much of 2007 and 2008 but seems to have gotten back on track in 2009 after scoring his first try in two years against Italy.
Drew Mitchell – 44 Caps – Australia Wallabies
Mitchell began his career playing for the Australian Schoolboys. He had a strong junior career as he captained the Wallabies schoolboys in 2001 during their tour of the United Kingdom.
He continued his junior success by being named to Australia’s under-21 squad for the International Rugby World Championships in England.
In 2004 Mitchell began his career with the Queensland Reds. He played in all 11 Super 12 matched that season, and joined the club on their French tour. At the international level his stock continued to grow, captaining the under-21 Squad at the IRB World Championship in Scotland.
After a stellar 2005 season with the Reds, in which he led the team in scoring during the Super 12, he was given a spot with the Wallabies during a test against the Springboks. He ended up appearing in 10 tests that season, notching six tries, and getting named Wallaby rookie of the year.
In 2006 Mitchell continued his strong play with the Reds, playing in all of their Super 14 matches. Conversely, he was not selected to appear for the Wallabies, and missed the Tri-Nations Cup.
In 2007 Mitchell moved from the Reds, to join the Western Force. His game seemed to take hold with the Force, as he played his way back onto the Wallabies side. That season he joined the team at the rugby World Cup, registering seven tries in the tournament, and making himself a team regular.
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