Habana's verdict on Munster's Bok imports
PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Munster may have had a disappointing European season, but they have secured two ‘game changers’ for when the sport resumes.
World Cup-winning Springboks Damian de Allende and Rudolph Snyman will be donning the red jerseys of the Irish giants when the COVID-19-enforced lockdown is over.
De Allende and Snyman, who were part of the Springbok side that demolished England 32-12 in the World Cup Final last year, arrived in Limerick from Japan and are on a three-week break before training resumes ahead of the season recommencing in August.
The arrival of De Allende and Snyman has increased the excitement in the Irish province.
Bryan Habana, himself a World Cup winner in 2007, described their signing for The Red Army as a ‘game-changer’.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph Habana said the Bok duo should hit the ground running and help make Munster title contenders.
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“Munster is probably going through a bit of a development phase since [South African coach] Johann [van Graan] arrived there,” the 124-capped wing told the newspaper.
“I think the success that [Springbok coach and Director of Rugby] Rassie Erasmus enjoyed during a short space of time [at Munster], there was a lot of expectation.
“Munster not qualifying for the quarterfinals of the [European] Champions Cup was very disappointing, but what they are getting is two World Cup-winning, world-class players.
“Damian de Allende was one of my unsung heroes of World Cup 2019.
“His ability to not only dominate the collision on attack and defence but his passing – he’s probably one of the best passers I’ve ever seen in the game, off both left and right.
“Rudolph Snyman is someone who again will add brawn and an element of physicality that any team in the world would love.
“So, in this rebuilding phase, I know Johann van Graan will be extremely excited to get those two in.
“In my personal opinion, they would not have made the decision to go to Munster if they didn’t believe they were going to a club with some of the best values in the game – a club that could reach higher honours.”
Source: Belfast Telegraph
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