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Japanese influence could work in South Africa's favour says World Cup winning Springbok Habana

Bryan Habana of South Africa. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

South Africa have a secret weapon up their sleeves for the World Cup, according to former 124-test Springboks wing Bryan Habana.

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Speaking at the 2019 Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco, Habana said some of the Springboks’ playing experience in Japan in recent seasons could help the two-time World Cup champions in their bid for world supremacy when the 2019 edition of the tournament kicks off in seven months’ time.

“What could potentially count in our favour is the number of players going to the World Cup that ply their trade in Japan,” Habana said.

“You have guys like Duane Vermeulen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Eben Etzebeth that know those conditions.

“They know what it is like from a logistical point of view, from a mindset point of view, and not only playing in Japan, but also being successful.”

13 of South Africa’s most recent 36-man squad for their end-of-year tour in November have played in Japan at various points in their career.

That is significantly more than that of any other tier one nation, with Australia containing the second-most players with Japanese club experience in their most recent squad thanks to the services of David Pocock, Bernard Foley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Dane Haylett-Petty and Israel Folau.

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With that in mind, Habana believes that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has the personnel within his squad to deliver South Africa a third World Cup crown.

“Guys that may not necessarily have been well known on the international scene like Aphiwe Dyantyi and Sbu Nkosi, who was to me one of the shining lights,” the 35-year-old said.

“You have Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux who everyone 18 months ago said were done and dusted for the Springbok set-up playing a crucial role in how the team showed more promise in 2018.

“To win World Cups, you need about five to six players with 50 Test caps, and you need about the same players that can lead that side, which we have.”

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The 2007 World Cup-winner threw his support behind captain Siya Kolisi, who he said has a strong support network around him through the leadership of Handre Pollard and Duane Vermuelen.

“When the Springboks click and we saw that in Wellington last year after a disappointing two years in 2016 and 2017, it just showed what the potential is,” Habana said.

Japan World Cup City Guide – Oita:

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Nickers 21 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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