As Eben Etzebeth prepares to make his 100th Test appearance, SARugbymag.co.za takes a look back at the Springbok centurions who have come before him.
It was clear from the outset that Bryan Habana was a superstar, destined never to be forgotten.
He scored a try with his first touch of the ball in his Springbok debut as a replacement against England in 2004.
Habana achieved almost everything there is to achieve in the sport over a decorated 15-year professional career. The 2007 IRB Player of the Year is regarded as one of the most lethal wings ever. At the 2007 World Cup in France, Habana equalled Jonah Lomu’s record for the most tries at a single tournament (eight) and at the 2015 edition he equalled the All Blacks icon’s World Cup career record of 15.
Begging the world champion Boks to pitch up in Cape Town
His 100th Test came in a one-point defeat by the Wallabies in Perth in 2014.
MARK KEOHANE | The paying public want to see world champions, not impostors
Habana was the top try-scorer at the 2004 IRB U21 World Championship, a Springbok Sevens player and a three-time SA Rugby Player of the Year winner (2005, 2007 and 2012). Before hanging up his boots in 2018, he also won the French Top 14 and European Champions Cup with Toulon.
For the full version of this article, get your copy of SA Rugby magazine
Photo: Getty Images
