ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Jul 22, 2021

No other player has mastered intercepts like Bryan Habana could

Often a misunderstood art, the interception try looks easy on the face of it, but it is in fact an incredibly difficult aspect of the game to master. One player shone more than any during his career: South Africa’s World Cup winner Bryan Habana.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even from his early days for the Springboks, Habana stood out as someone with a keen eye for an intercept. It’s easy to see why: his blinding pace and acceleration was almost unmatched in the game and his speed in defence made interceptions a natural counter-attacking ploy.

WATCH: Top 10 Bryan Habana RWC tries show why he may just be the tournament’s best ever winger

But there’s more to an intercept than simply being quick off the defensive mark. You need to be able to read the attacking move, where the ball is going and make a clean catch knowing that if you fail, you risk conceding a score yourself.

There’s no denying it though, Habana was an absolute weapon on the intercept and regardless of which side you were supporting, seeing the winger at full tilt taking the intercept on the run – for example in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina in 2007 – was spellbinding to witness.

WATCH: Bryan Habana’s massive hit on Lions winger Tommy Bowe in 2009

We’ve spent far more time than we should have watching and re-watching this compilation video from YouTuber Andrew Forde, so why not check it out for yourself if you haven’t already.

Was there any ever player better?

Related Articles

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Absolute scenes from triple threat centre...

  • 65 WEEKS AGO

    Henry Arundell wonder try shows he is the...

  • 72 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Blues score two STUNNING tries against...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok fans given a scare as Kolbe takes back-breaking hit

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Brian O'Driscoll unburdens himself with huge confession in classic Guinness advert

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 HOUR AGO

    Vakatawa signs for English Premiership side in sensational return to rugby

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    Exclusive: 'The Aussie DNA is missing' - David Campese reflects on Wallaby exit and ponders the future of Aussie rugby

  • 10 HOURS AGO

    France give confirmation of Dupont return thanks to superhuman recovery

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Namibia captain’s World Cup over as he receives hefty ban following Dupont hit

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Kyle Sinckler surprises everyone with World Cup injury admission

View All