Healing Habana
13 Jun 2011
RYAN VREDE writes that decisive and astute management can rescue Bryan Habana from his nightmare and make him a factor at the World Cup.
That assertion is based on the premise that he will start in New Zealand. Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has never intimated otherwise. Indeed, recently, he chastised those who asked him about the winger’s form. Injury notwithstanding, Habana will be tossed the No 11 shirt on 11 September when the Springboks face Wales in Wellington and hold onto it for the duration of the tournament.
It is therefore futile, in my view, to continue the debate about his form. It doesn’t warrant continued selection for the Stormers, let alone the Springboks. But, though there are better options available to the national selectors, this situation won’t change. The more prudent route to take on the Habana issue is to find ways of getting him to the showpiece in the best possible shape – physically, technically and mentally. It is undoubtedly the latter that is of greatest concern.
To watch Habana live is to see a player racked with self doubt. The Bulls were merciless in exploiting his fragile mental state on Saturday, kicking on him consistently. He grassed a high punt early in the match, and thereafter resembled a man braced to catch hand grenades that were falling from the sky. As someone who watched his ascent through 2004 to the colossus he would become in 2007, it pained to see the poor intimation of that player at Newlands.
It undoubtedly vexes Habana more. He sets the highest standards for himself, which compounds the mental torture when he fails to match his expectation. He in turn tries harder, which only serves to amplify his struggle. ‘It’s like being stuck in quicksand,’ Habana’s former coach at the Bulls, Heyneke Meyer, told me recently. ‘The more you struggle, the deeper you sink. I’ve seen it happen to many players.
‘It’s not my place to comment on Bryan because I don’t know the full picture – what’s happening in his personal life and so on – but generally the players I’ve seen recover from those situations have done so when they’ve rediscovered a natural enjoyment of the game again. How he gets to that point is for him and his coaches to determine.’
Habana certainly fits the description perfectly. His effort is immense. You only appreciate this when your focus is trained on him for the course of a match and see him drifting to the opposite wing, making runs on his flyhalf’s shoulder and the like. His work-rate cannot be faulted. However, to get him to something resembling his former, potent self, drastic action is needed.
He must not play in the Tri-Nations. Competition against the world’s elite nations, who have the capacity to pick at his festering wounds in a way no Super Rugby side can, is nonsensical. A mental break from the rigours of rugby is a must. A period of what sports scientist call ‘active rest’ is needed, where he is placed on a tailor-made programme that seeks to address shortcomings in predetermined areas.
Top of the list has to be a focus on improved hand-eye co-ordination and speed training. With regards to the former, Habana’s association former Springboks visual skills coach Dr. Sherylle Calder yielded outstanding results. He must be put back onto her programme and continue to work with her through to the World Cup, then be disciplined to do the daily exercises the programme requires at the tournament itself.
The speed training programme is essential because it is in his speed in which Habana’s confidence, and indeed his threat, is rooted. At his peak, his acceleration was unmatched and this aided his ability to make linebreaks and/or break tackles in a way he has not done for some time. This was particularly important for him, given that he his never possessed a step of any note.
Four years ago Bjorn Basson would have stood less chance of catching him in a situation like the one that transpired in the 80th minute of Saturday’s match. To expect him to rediscover that pace would be unrealistic. Habana turned 28 on Sunday, and with advancing years comes a natural decline in this regard. However, with the right speed coach he could make gains that would make him a factor once more.
Habana is struggling, that is self-evident. But it serves no purpose to continue to lament his form in the build-up to the World Cup. The Springbok selectors are going to back him, and they will have to be accountable for that decision if his mediocrity continues and undermines the team’s cause. That said, they cannot simply hope that he recovers. There has to be a plan.
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92 Comments
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13 Jun 2011, 15:24 pm
Onerb said something very interesting on a different thread, Maybe Habana should play center now, apparently he has played in this position before and maybe that is sort of what he is doing now anyway..
13 Jun 2011, 15:33 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-51: Could be a good move – but he needs to start catching the ball again before he can do that.
Plus – are you gonna Jean, Jacque or De Jongh for him?
As it is its an absolute CRIME that De Jongh doesnt play a full game
13 Jun 2011, 15:35 pm
Is Habana the best in his position in South Africa? On the face of current results, definitely not, but like BringItHomeBoks says – how does a natural winger just forget.
Here’s a wild theory – maybe when Habanna moved to the Stormers, he set out to prove that he was worth the purchase and began over thinking his game. I suspect that his current form is due more to the coach/coaches expectations then his lack of ability. I don’t think he should be selected for the boks in his current state but at the same time, I don’t think his career is over – just needs some careful coaching and strategy.
Here is another wild theory – the coach continues to select him even though he has not been performing. Is it possible that Habanna has been doing exactly what the coach has asked and whilst leaving his fan base bewildered, he still ticks the boxes with the coach? Probably not, but it is worth exploring.
13 Jun 2011, 15:37 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-51:
He scored a good try against Ireland in that position, but also leaked a couple as the defensive pattern was a mess. Not entirely his fault as the entire team got worked over that day.
13 Jun 2011, 15:38 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-51:
What about 15 ?
13 Jun 2011, 15:39 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-51: why not just drop him to the vodacom cup where he belongs? his game and confidence are shot to ribbons, desperately trying to find a place for him elsewhere, potentially at the costs of another talented centre, would really serve no good
13 Jun 2011, 15:43 pm
@UKSaffa(catchlightuk.com)-53: First theory I dont buy – he was The Man when he left Bulls and couldve walked into any team in the world – no need to prove he is worth his money. PLus he was moving to play with Jean and Jacque – his Bok centres, so shouldve been even more comfortable, no?
One thing is maybe he didnt want to leave the Bulkls 100% otr felt very guilty leaving and so was over-compensating for himself, not for anyone else.
But your 2nd theory I agree with. Even PDiv said it in his interview with Union Mag. Yet no one seems to be resting him! Why doesnt Sadie get a run and rest Habana?
If the Bok coaches play Habana in 3 Nations then we all know there is F-all player management and consideration. He shouldve had a few weeks off and even played in Vodacom Cup and had some fun again. He is not having fun now
13 Jun 2011, 15:46 pm
@willievz(willievz)-55: Heikona Willie hy kan nie ver genoeg skop nie, of hoe?
13 Jun 2011, 15:49 pm
@BringItHomeBoks(bokfan1)-50:
Mate the latter statements about SBW and Freaun…..All Blacks are very wiery of what happens in seasons past….. In 99 World Cup they decided to play Cullen at 13 in order to accomodate Tana,Wilson & Lomu in same team and decided to call end to Frank Bunce & Walter Little careers a little bit to premature….In 98 they went with exciting duo of Gibson & Mayerholfer had been outstanding in Super 12 for Saders…they lost every Trinations game that year…..World Cup worse to France
in 2003 they decided to overlook Ma’a Nonu for Leon MacDonald at 13 and the more experienced Merthens for Spencer…Wallabies decied to bring a half fit mortlock to RWC,started his first game in semi and tore NZ a new one
2007 RWC Henry made the fatal mistake of dropping his most influencial midfielder Aaron Mauger and breakup the Mauger/Smith patnership that was starting to flourish for the next big thing at the time LUKE MCCALLISTER…who butchered 2 certain tries vs France in 1st half and AB’s were sent packing..
Nonu & Smith have been the best patnership for the better part of 15-18 months now.Last AB’s went 13 Tests undefeated with them as starting centre combo.
Only a fool would break that up for leaguer/boxer/pinup model 12 SBW and manchild Freaun(still growing in stature) in a world cup year.
13 Jun 2011, 15:50 pm
@BringItHomeBoks(bokfan1)-58:
Al ons heelagters skop net heeltyd die bal in die lug op.
Habana sal ok wees
13 Jun 2011, 15:52 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-59:
Exactly, they have made so much errors in the midfield in the past.
But I think they will fall for it again.
They will break up that Nonu/Smith partnership by including at least one of SBW or Freaun.
Hear my song.
13 Jun 2011, 15:58 pm
@willievz(willievz)-61:
yeah I think so too,even though I think Henry will be reluctant to do so.At first he will play them Nonu/Smith but should they AB’s lose a Test in OZ or SA or should they struggle in the least bit….The public pressure will be too much plus media will play its part.
Then he will be the FOOL…..AGAIN
13 Jun 2011, 16:06 pm
Considering what a complete aloof twathead he was, this is kind of sweet irony. sorry but it’s true, the mighty fall the hardest.
And the fact we are debating how to make him ‘okay’ shows how poor our coach is.
13 Jun 2011, 16:11 pm
Dont think dropping him to Vodacom will help at all, will most problerly destroy what little confidence he has left and himl playing no 15 lololololololol hanf on am going to laugh again lolololololol.
Am only thinking he should play the center position because it seems he will not be dropped and he is not scoring as a wing is supposed so maybe center because he does have a high work rate and is not scared of tackling and has been known to score trys is the past
He might be better JdV at center.
13 Jun 2011, 16:27 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-64:
I don’t mind someone laughing off when I play devil’s advocate, but what is your rugby reasoning for doing so?
13 Jun 2011, 16:35 pm
@willievz(willievz)-65: You were being serious about him at 15 ?
Ok I will try tell why i think not, firstly i dont think he has a very good kicking game at all, secondly i dont think his hands are good enough to be our last line of defense thirdly he does not have any experience in that position and lastly i know this will sound silly but he is always slipping, this might not be what you a rugby fundi and the other fundis think but it is what i think, jrom a female perspective that has never played the game but has just watched.
13 Jun 2011, 16:39 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-66: oh and was quite surprised that some one who i know is very knowledgeable about the game even asked me, thanks
13 Jun 2011, 16:52 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-67: oh and i dont think he is like Lambe or F Steyn that could play 3 different positions effectively.
13 Jun 2011, 17:35 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-59: OK fair enough Mshini – mayeb I used a bad example
13 Jun 2011, 17:39 pm
@willievz(willievz)-60: Hahaha dis miskien waar op die oomblik maar dis omdat dit Kirchner op heelagter is! Steyn, Jaantjes of Riaan Vjljoen sal daai bal in die skare in moer.
@willievz(willievz)-61: Ek stem (en bid ons is reg). Ek kan nie sien dat hy kan weerstaan om SBW n kans te gee. Dis d NZ se natuurlike geneigdheid. Soos Mshini skryf bo – hulle het dit omtrent elke wereld beker gedoen.
Of dit werk hierdie keer (en ou SBW KAN speel!) of hulle verstuk weer…
13 Jun 2011, 19:05 pm
Dropping Habana is clearly not an option, folks. He is as permanent a fixture in the Stormers team as the die-hard Crusaders fans at Newlands. Even if he dropped dead tonight they will likely stuff him, put sunglasses on our Bernie and prop him on the wing for next weekend’s game.
13 Jun 2011, 19:12 pm
@Heaven Game’s Sharkies are Farked(Mighty Horua)-24: How’s your Mighty farked up mind numbnut? It aint over till the Fat Prawn sings. Yes, going on the Sharks first half performance on Saturday they don’t deserve a damned thing, but that second half side plus Alberts, Deysel, Jannie and Odwa might more than surprise a few sides including the current Super 14 Champs.
Sharks fans and now the players know they are up against it. This dozy Durban attitude has now left them with a mountain to climb and they now have no margin for error.
But, if selection is right at the outset,
- the attitude is 100% switched on – which the Sharks tend to be when they repeatedly only have themselves to blame for their own predicament
- and the fact that they are well and truly total underdogs, combined with the fact that the Bulls literally played a final this last weekend
then odds are about 46/54 narrowly in Bulls favour with the extra 8 % due to home ground Loftus advantage.
Factor in randomness of reffing and their could be game on. However if I were a betting man this bet would be off and instead I will be hoping than Brumbies continue their redemption run and do the Sharks a favour.
It may just end up being quite beneficial for the Sharks to come in 6th… Rather travel to Newlands than the other side of the world at this stage.
PS: And you can fark right off by using my name in your stoopid nic, twat!!!
13 Jun 2011, 19:25 pm
Time for the real Sharks to stand up, be careful Bulls, pick wisely Plum !!!
13 Jun 2011, 19:28 pm
@kwas(kwas)-71: we get the point.no need to post it on every thread.
13 Jun 2011, 19:32 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-74:
Like you and your nazi-trolling?
Gotcha!!
13 Jun 2011, 19:33 pm
sharks needs to man up massively on saturday.the whole of danville will be packed into the stadium as well to complicate matters.they will be baying for shark blood.please plum just leave plod on the bench!
13 Jun 2011, 19:36 pm
@kwas(kwas)-71: lol
13 Jun 2011, 19:37 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-75: lol.howdy my scots buddy.
13 Jun 2011, 19:51 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-78:
Evening bud
13 Jun 2011, 21:34 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-66:
No I just threw it out there, I am of the opinion that Habs needs a new challenge post WC and trying out a new position might just do wonders for his confidence and might lead to him enjoying his rugby again. Fullback might not be his best position but post WC I am keen to give him a game or two there to see what he brings to the table.
At fullback he will be able to be the lynchpin of the back three on attack. He still has great vision. He will have more space to attack from without trying to cut inside from the wing when kicked upon, and (crucially) will have more potential support players around him, which will give him more confidence going into collisions. And he is great on man-on-man defense – since the 15 is the last line of defense, it goes without saying that he will be an asset there.
13 Jun 2011, 21:59 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-33: Why people tipping Sadie for wing and to be Springbok? How many games has he played? He is not even a wing. He is an outside centre. What about JJ Engelbrecht – he is massive, quick and actually a wing and from Western Province..please open your eyes WP – you back the wrong players! You going to regret it like with the Hougaard’s and many others. You actually have the money – if only Free State had your money, what a team they would have been.
13 Jun 2011, 22:09 pm
@kwas(kwas)-71:
LOL
13 Jun 2011, 22:28 pm
@willievz(willievz)-80: I think it is a good idea.
13 Jun 2011, 22:42 pm
Nonu inside centre and Habana outside centre for the Sharks next year
14 Jun 2011, 02:52 am
Scoring flashy intercept tries need a bit of luck and a lot of speed, seems Habana are short on both at the moment. We tend to forgive a whole lot when we see a runaway try but go back in history and you will see that the All Blacks (and NZ teams in general) has been targeting Habana for many moons as the weak link in the Bok backline.
14 Jun 2011, 05:09 am
Habadonna is a one trick im on tv show \pony who has failed to add any more to his game. Here is the ultimate case of poor player management, very poor agent, arrogance and thinking ones greatness is in eternal. Talk about resting on your laurels!
I would drop him long time ago. Its all fell aprart when his only main driver was money and trying to equal Joosts record.
HABADONNA IS NO CENTRE we have tried once before and he was ****. Time to give Terror or Mvovo a shot.
14 Jun 2011, 06:38 am
11. Hougaard
14. JPP
15. F Steyn
Habana is ou nuus.
14 Jun 2011, 08:50 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-86: I agre that he would make a poor centre, or any other position. But the fact that we played him once for the Boks at 13 against O’Driscoll as far as I remember does not prove anything.
14 Jun 2011, 09:46 am
Maybe the rugby public needs to put together a petition to oust Habana from the Bok side this WC – because PDV et all are not going to be reasonable with Habana´s inclusion. If we want to take this cup we need to get Habana out of the team. Any ideas how to get as many signatures and get it to SARU? I believe the public should have a say in these matters. Its us theyre representing. I cannot believe how we keep hanging onto the big names – John Smit (taking him as a coaching member would have made far more sense), Ricky Januarie – who I am gobsmacked has finally been left out, Habana, Spies, and possibly Frans Steyn – lets see how he goes in the Tri Nations. Personally I think they should have invested in Riaan Viljoen a long time ago instead of persevering with Kirchner. Jannie dup another one who isnt really doing anything great but is still in the squad.
But Habana is the man that can cost us the WC. He was atrocious for the Boks last year – he has had a full Super Rugby season to hit some form – he patently has not. I vote they give him 2 games in the Tri Nations and if he doesnt step up he´s out. Last chance. If he doesnt cut it Bjorn Basson is in. In any game were there will be a lot of up and unders or kicking Bjorn is invaluable. Lets make it happen!
14 Jun 2011, 12:17 pm
If Habana were prepared to play in another position i wouldn’t throw him a way just yet, he does have oddles of experience, is still fast and can tackle like a mamba, just not a wing anymore in my opinion, we have better. JPP, Basson, Mvovo, Hurdles and Ndungane, you may laugh when i say Odd One but rate him better than Habana on wing.
14 Jun 2011, 12:19 pm
Could be a bit of Shark bias in there
14 Jun 2011, 12:29 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-90: Odd One is still paying a really good game. Good hands too,
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