Springbok great Bryan Habana believes South African rugby’s love affair with Japan might be a blessing in disguise at this year’s World Cup.
Speaking at the 2019 Laureus World Sports Awards, Habana said some Boks’ experience of playing conditions in the Land of the Rising Sun could be an ace up South Africa’s sleeve at the quadrennial rugby showpiece.
The 67-try Bok says: “What could potentially count in our favour is the number of players going to the World Cup that ply their trade in Japan.
“You have guys like Duane Vermeulen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Eben Etzebeth that know those conditions.
“They know what it is like from a logistical point of view, from a mindset point of view, and not only playing in Japan, but also being successful.”
The 2007 World Cup winner adds: “When the Springboks click and we saw that in Wellington last year [beating New Zealand 36-34] after a disappointing two years in 2016 and 2017, it just showed what the potential is.”