Habana to miss final Tri-Nations clash

By Tarryn Le Chat
05 September 2006


Concussed Bok Flyhalf, Bryan Habana, will not feature in this Saturday’s Tri-Nations final clash against Australia at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Habana was injured in the past match against the all Blacks which the Springboks won 21-20.

JP Pietersen and Brent Russell were recalled to the Springbok squad as this has left South Africa with a number of options at wing. There will also definitely be a change at full-back.

According to the Cape Times, Russell has had little game under current Bok coach, Jake White, but has a good record against Australia and the temptation may be there to stick him on the bench just in case the Boks have to pull a rabbit out of the hat in the second half.

However, the loose trio of Pierre Spies, AJ Venter and Pedrie Wannenberg is unlikely to be broken up after performing well against the All Blacks.

According to the report, Wallaby coach, John Connolly singled out the South African pack as the most impressive aspect the win against New Zealand.

“I thought it was a solid performance. They tightened up their game considerably and have a powerful forward pack which takes the wind out of the opposing pack”, said Connolly.

Wallaby flyhalf, Stephen Larkham, said that he expected the South African loose trio to once again target him and scrumhalf George Gregan.

According to Larkham, the inclusion of flyhalf André Pretorius in the starting line-up for the first time this season made all the difference to the Springbok backline.