Eurosport - Thu, 13 Nov 16:36:00 2008
Former Australia winger David Campese has accused South Africa flyer Bryan Habana of "resting on his laurels".
Habana, the 2007 IRB Player of the Year, has not been at his best over the past 12 months and has just one try to his name in eight Tests, that coming in South Africa's 19-8 defeat to New Zealand in Wellington.
Campese told Die Burger: "Neither the Bulls nor the Springboks have been playing consistently well this season.
"But Habana likes to talk himself up before games and then nothing happens. When you play as world champions, other teams will automatically lift their game. They are also aware of Habana. It's as if he is resting on his laurels.
"You have to keep the opposition guessing. Habana has good skills, but pace alone won't get you everywhere. There aren't so many opportunities for him anymore to score intercept tries."
Chester Williams, who won the 1995 World Cup with South Africa, suggested Habana was not playing to his strengths.
"My advice to him would be get involved in the way he did earlier in his career," said Williams.
"He is trying hard in other areas. Bryan should drop back to support the full-back and field high balls. He is very good under the high ball.
"But Bryan has also had a few injuries to contend with this year. He will perhaps have to reinvent himself. It's one thing getting to the top, but quite another staying there."
Comment 1 - 3 of 3
it is true what he says, The big head has surpassed the Team. (SA supporter.)
We need habana to become the player he was 3 years ago.
Come on Brian, there are many people in the wings, ...............
it is true what he says, The big head has urpassed the Team. SA supporter.
We need habana to become the player he was 3 years ago.
Come on Brian, there are many people in the wings, ...............
Won't someone just shoot Campese please?
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