Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Watch: Habosi risks it all with the swagger to burn off last defender behind the try line

(Source/Stan Sport)

Fijian Drua winger Vinaya Habosi furthered his claim as one of the world’s fastest wingers with his latest effort against Moana Pasifika in the Drua’s 34-19 win in Sydney.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 22-year-old picked up the Drua’s second try just seven minutes into the game when a loose offload from openside Solomone Funaki went to ground just 25 metres out from the Drua’s line.

Unfortunately for Moana Pasifika, Habosi was there to snatch the bouncing ball between two defenders. The Fijian wing bounced off both tackles in a sandwich between the three players.

Video Spacer

Where Eagles Dream | USA vs All Blacks documentary

Where Eagles Dream, the behind-the-scenes rugby documentary with the USA ahead of last October’s fixture versus the All Blacks in Washington DC, has been released. RugbyPass was given exclusive access to film the preparations for the prestigious match.

Video Spacer

Where Eagles Dream | USA vs All Blacks documentary

Where Eagles Dream, the behind-the-scenes rugby documentary with the USA ahead of last October’s fixture versus the All Blacks in Washington DC, has been released. RugbyPass was given exclusive access to film the preparations for the prestigious match.

In a footrace with Lincoln McClutchie, the 22-year-old turned on the jets to burn down the left hand touchline and escape the ankle tap effort from Moana Pasifika’s first five.

With halfback Ere Enari remaining as the last defender, Habosi showed no fear as he rounded the halfback while already over the try line to make sure the Drua could score next to the posts.

Habosi is fast becoming one of the stars of Super Rugby Pacific with his name now being pushed frequently for a call up to Vern Cotter’s Fijian side this July.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Flying Fijians are scheduled to play Tonga and Samoa in this year’s July international window.

As they look to build depth for next year’s World Cup, younger in-form players like Habosi could be in the mix to debut for Fiji.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
TI 27 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

46 Go to comments
H
Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

0 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING 'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
Search