Habana: BlitzBoks need to improve discipline
This is the candid view of World Cup-winning Springbok Bryan Habana, who spent the last fortnight as a member of the BlitzBoks team.
South Africa, who finished third at the Las Vegas leg and lost to New Zealand in the Final in Vancouver at the weekend, is currently second on the World Series standings – one point behind leaders Fiji and one ahead of their arch rivals, the Kiwis.
However, it is their lack of discipline – an issued raised before by coach Neil Powell – that came back to haunt them again in the tournament decider this past weekend.
Habana said he was disappointed they could not go all the way in Vancouver.
"It was disappointing to lose in the Final against New Zealand, after we had done so well to get there," he said of the BlitzBoks – who conceded just one try in the opening day and beat Wales 31-0 in the quarterfinals and were equally impressive in their 31-19 win over Fiji in the semifinal.
However, they were outsmarted by New Zealand in the Final.
"As a squad, we still have a lot to learn in terms our discipline and decision-making, especially when it comes to knock-out games," Habana said.
"[There were] one or two decisions where we let ourselves down in the last two weeks."
Habana, who now returns to his French club Toulon, said he is not sure when – and if – he will return to the BlitzBoks.
"[I] had a chat to Neil [Powell, the coach and we are all a little uncertain about how I could contribute," said the 32-year-old, who has 117 Test caps and a 2007 World Cup winner's medal to his credit.
"It has been a massive learning curve for me over the last two weeks," he said, adding: "I don't think I am quite there yet.
"It is difficult playing in the Northern Hemisphere and trying to contribute to this Sevens team.
"I will have a chat to Neil [again] and see where he wants me to fit into the system.
"I hope that I can contribute in some way and maybe I have a foot in the door [to go to the Rio Olympics].
"I really believe there is an able group of players in South Africa that can go out there and do this country proud in the build-up to Rio.
"If I feel that I can make a positive contribution to the team's success then I will definitely be fighting hard for that."
Habana described his stay of almost three weeks with the Springbok Sevens team was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
"I had a fantastic time with the squad and the experience and memories of visiting two great cities such as Las Vegas and Vancouver is something I won't easily forget," said Habana.
"Everyone in the squad made me feel at home and welcomed me into their fantastic brotherhood, and for that experience I am truly grateful.
"South Africa can be very proud of what the [Springbok] Sevens have achieved over the past 12 years or so.
"This squad has the potential to achieve many great things over the next six months."
