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IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
As Sharks prepare for URC semi against Bulls, Plumtree won't forget the horror of the 2007 Super 14 final
Bryan Habana won the 2007 SuperRugby final between the Bulls and Sharks with a last-gasp try. Photo: Independent Media Image: Independent Media Springbok great Victor Matfield recently said on social media that perhaps the greatest moment of his glittering career was the Bulls' Super 14 final defeat of the Sharks in Durban in 2007. The Bulls captain's opposite number that day, John Smit, said: 'I will probably never get over it.' This was the unforgettable match in which Bryan Habana scored in the final movement of the game, with Derick Hougaard's simple conversion sealing a 20–19 victory. The Bulls had escaped in that epic encounter, but the door was opened for them because the Sharks were pitifully poor in closing out the game. Their decision-making in the final frantic minutes could serve as a textbook case for coaches around the world on what not to do in a final. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Current Sharks coach John Plumtree was in the coaches' box that day as assistant to Dick Muir, and he might well remind his players of the mistakes the Sharks made as he prepares them for Saturday's visit to Loftus Versfeld for the United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Bulls. This match is the most significant meeting between the sides since that 2007 final. The biggest lesson Plumtree will recall from that heartbreak is this: never, ever substitute your captain when the pressure is at its peak — or your kicker. In the Sharks' case in 2007, they replaced both. The Sharks appeared to have wrapped up the match with three minutes to go, when Albert van den Berg scored a try. It was 19–13, with a relatively straightforward conversion to come. Smit would likely have handed the ball to Percy Montgomery to add the two points and shut out the Bulls with an eight-point lead and barely any time left. But Smit was no longer on the field. Muir had substituted him at the three-quarter mark.
The South African
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
He's heartbroken: Springboks legend Bryan Habana's letter to the Hendricks family left fans in tears
Springboks legend Bryan Habana penned a heartfelt letter showing his love to the late Cornal Hendricks and his family. It's been a week of mourning among rugby fans, players and former players since Hendricks' death. Many top rugby players like Siya Kolisi and legends like Tendai Mtawarira showed their hurt. Indeed, the mourning continues, but Habana went a little deeper with emotions. He poured his heart out on Instagram, describing Hendricks' goodness, and wishing his family would heal fast. Springboks Bryan Habana Hendricks family 'Still struggling to find the words or come to terms with this. Heartbroken to wake up to news that still seems unreal.' Habana started showing his disbelief. 'A true warrior on the field, but an even bigger inspiration off it. When he entered, his energy lit up the room, and his zest for life was infectious. Cornal's journey reminds us all that resilience isn't just a trait, it's a way of life. From setbacks to stunning comebacks, from humble beginnings to the world's biggest stage. Every team he represented, he did so with pride, passion, purpose and an unwavering desire to contribute positively,' he continued. 'Rest easy, Boytjie. Your courage, kindness, and unstoppable spirit will never be forgotten. The world was a better place with you in it, and I am grateful and honoured that our paths crossed.' Habana continued. 'My heartfelt condolences go out to Steph, the kids, and the Hendricks family. Rus sag boytjie 🕊️' he said, finishing by wishing the Hendricks family a fast healing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bryan Habana (@bryanhabana_) Fans wished him peace after the Springboks legend Bryan Habana posted his heartfelt letter to the Hendricks family. Some fans consoled Habana, citing his close relationship with the late Springbok. @Alfred Thorpe 'Oh, Brian, I'm crying nicely now. Good luck to all of you who were close to him.' @Bevan Petersen 'Always sang the national anthem with SO MUCH passion ❤️' @Danielle (Nolli) Waterman 'Beautiful words, Bryan. Sending love and strength xx' @Marlon Owen Peters 'Condolences to you, his family, and the Rugby Community. ❤️' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Henry Pollock backed to be a British & Irish Lions 'bolter' by two all-time greats ahead of Thursday's squad announcement
Henry Pollock has been backed to be a bolter for the British and Irish Lions — by two of the touring team's most formidable former opponents. The 20-year-old Northampton flanker only made his senior international debut for England against Wales in March. But he has put himself in contention for a surprise Lions call-up after a string of stand-out displays, most recently in the Saints' stunning Champions Cup semi-final win at Leinster last weekend. And rugby greats Bryan Habana and Sean Fitzpatrick now both believe Pollock would be a worthy addition to Andy Farrell's squad when he names it on Thursday. 'Looking at his current form, he can only add value to this Lions team,' Habana, who starred for South Africa when they beat the Lions 2-1 in 2009, told Mail Sport. 'He's playing phenomenal rugby at the moment. To be playing at that level for your club is pretty special. 'The absolute exhilaration of youth is something that is really the buy-in for him — the manner in which he enjoys the battle of the breakdown, the way he involves himself in the game, the lack of fear, not only for his body, but in terms of everything he does. 'Would he be a bolter? Yes. Would he be unfavoured? 100 per cent no.' Legendary All Blacks captain Fitzpatrick, who led his side to glory against the Lions in 1993, also reckons Pollock's confident personality would be perfectly suited for the tour Down Under. 'He's a bit of a character — and he can play too,' said Fitzpatrick, speaking in his role as chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy. 'You need personalities in those environments because it is a tough tour. 'They're going to need two in every position with the same sort of quality and Pollock could be one of those. It will be fun.' Habana and Fitzpatrick also both favour England captain Maro Itoje to lead the Lions over Ireland skipper Caelan Doris, who is having shoulder surgery this week and is a major injury doubt. 'If I was Andy Farrell, I'd probably go with Maro because of his experience and because of his current level of play,' said Habana, a Laureus Academy member. 'Maro would probably be that No1 pick on the team sheet. He has really grown into this leadership role in what has been a struggle in that English environment over the last four years. Having experienced Lions tours previously, he might be able to do something extremely special as tour captain.' Fitzpatrick said: 'They may have learned something during the Six Nations because I thought England were outstanding. 'France were quite clearly the best team, but I thought England were very impressive and were led very well — and Maro played every minute of every game. 'It is a difficult job. You've got four nations coming together, so you need a special kind of person. 'If you look back to the 1993 team in New Zealand, poor old Gavin Hastings had a really tough job uniting that team. 'He's one of the great guys of world rugby, so if he found it difficult, you know that it really can be difficult if you haven't got harmony within the team.' Fitzpatrick believes Australia will prove to be a tough test for the tourists under the leadership of Joe Schmidt, who he knows well. But whatever the result this summer, the 61-year-old hopes the series once again shows the value of the Lions concept. 'The Lions is the greatest brand in world rugby and it continues to be,' added Fitzpatrick. 'Anyone that's talking about getting rid of the Lions must have bloody rocks in their heads. 'We're hearing it will be the biggest touring Lions fanbase ever, which is amazing. It will be good for everyone - for the economy, for the game. 'We just need young fans to engage and things like the Lions is appealing. To only have one competition every four years, the World Cup, would be boring.'
