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Bryan Habana joins All Blacks legend in fan-voted GOAT final

By Ian Cameron
Former South African rugby union player Bryan Habana reacts on the touchline after the European Challenge Cup rugby union final match between Gloucester and the Sharks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on May 24, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Springbok great Bryan Habana has reached the final of a fan-voted poll to determine rugby’s greatest player of the past 25 years – facing off against All Blacks legend Dan Carter.

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The poll was conducted on the RugbyPass broadcast channel on Instagram and saw fans from around the world vote in a knockout-style competition, narrowing the field down to just two iconic figures.

Habana – widely regarded for his electrifying speed and clinical finishing – secured his place in the final by overcoming a number of formidable opponents throughout the theoretical tournament.

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Voting fans somehow concluded that Habana was better than Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll in Round 1, and fellow South African Siya Kolisi in Round 2, before besting All Blacks centre and former Toulon teammate Ma’a Nonu in Round 3 – winning 64 per cent of the popular vote with over 7,000 ballots.

Some critics of these fan polls suggest that many rugby fans just vote for their favourite player along the lines of national allegiance without an attempt to temper their decision with any meaningful objectivity.

Habana will now meet Dan Carter in the final – the most prolific points-scorer in Test rugby history.

Known for his tactical genius, precision kicking and playmaking skills, Carter steered the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. Throughout the fan poll, the renowned Kiwi superstar consistently garnered strong support; beating Ireland’s Johnny Sexton in Round 1 and, perhaps more controversially, Richie McCaw in Round 2; before beating Springbok back row Pieter Steph du Toit in Round 3 to make the grand final.

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If nothing else the fan-voted poll highlights the enduring admiration for both players.  The final vote will determine who fans believe is the greatest rugby player of the past quarter-century, with results to be revealed on the RugbyPass broadcast channel.

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Comments

3 Comments
J
JWH 26 mins ago

Everybody voting Habana needs to take a serious look at themselves and consult a doctor about MRIs and brain scans. They have to be having a stroke.

D
DP 4 hours ago

Du Pont is the GOAT obviously. Has no one been paying any attention? The best ever, no one will ever eclipse him. He’s the best. End of story.

F
Forward pass 17 mins ago

DuPont cant manage 8-9 tests a year. Poor wee man needs his rest. IS he even the best "Part timer"? Nah!!!

F
FC 4 hours ago

And his tears cure cancer, dont they?

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J
JWH 36 minutes ago
Bad blood swirls as the All Blacks head north

Yeah that used to be the whole identity of the ABs! You don't have to be bigger, faster, or stronger, just work harder, use your brain, and the tries will come to you!


However the game has changed, but this gameplan still could work in modern rugby, just needs the right players to play it. For example, DMac. He is an excellent player with space and time, however you often don't get any, let alone one or the other. That's why he is so prosperous at 15, but has failed to convert that into form in the 10 jersey.


There is also a noteable lack of form, fitness, determination, and overall lacklustre skills in the bench. Luke Jacobson is quite possibly one of the worst All Blacks of all time, along with Sowakula. Not to disrespect him, as he is a premier rugby player, but he just cannot upskill into the international level like that. A bit similar to Akira Ioane. Another further comment is the backs on bench, particularly TJ Perenara and Sevu Reece/Mark Telea. They have all been below average. I hope TJP continues his mentor role with little to no game time, as I think he does have some good experience he could pass onto Ratima & Roigard. Sevu Reece and Mark Telea, who have come off of above average SRP seasons, have failed to make impacts on games. Telea is good on offense, rubbish on defense. Reece is okay on offense, good on defense. Really, neither of them shine to me. Somebody like Reiko Ioane or Emoni Narawa or Leicester Fainganuku would be preferable.


However, I will say that the ABs tight five group is being seriously underrated by some international fans, as their work against both the Argentinian and South African packs were enormous, holding their own and even dominating in parts of the game. Tamaiti Williams, Tupou Vaai, and Asafo Aumua have all been good, and Tosi is now finding his legs. They are lining up to be the best pack for the rest of the decade, especially considering their workrate around the park and set-piece work. These are the new multi-role tight fives that Foster and Hansen have been looking for, and Robertson is picking them up near their prime. All Razor has to do is find some backs (10 & 13 in particular) as well as loosies (7) to work around them.

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