Bryan Habana Picks Two All Blacks in His Top Five Hardest Opponents

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 22:12

bySteven Smith

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Bryan Habana — one of the most electrifying wings to ever grace a rugby field — has seen it all.

— here’s how the South African legend ranked them:

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A Rugby World Cup winner with South Africa in 2007, the speedster scored 67 tries in 124 Tests, making him the Springboks’ all-time leading try-scorer and one of the greatest finishers in world rugby history.

Now retired, Habana has looked back on his incredible career and named the five toughest opponents he ever faced.

Drawing from several Q&A interviews over the years — including one with Canterbury NZ

5. Joe Rokocoko – The Flying Fijian Kiwi

Bio:
A Fijian-born All Black flyer, Joe Rokocoko burst onto the scene in 2003 and quickly became one of the most feared wingers in world rugby.

Renowned for his lightning pace and silky handling, Rokocoko scored 46 tries in 68 Tests for New Zealand, cementing his place as one of the greats of his generation.

“He could make something happen out of nothing and was always a threat on attack. His handling skills were just sublime as well.”

4. Shane Williams – Wales’ Pocket Rocket

Bio:
A Welsh wizard with dazzling footwork and an incredible rugby brain, Shane Williams defied his size to dominate the international stage.

The 2008 World Rugby Player of the Year scored 60 tries in 91 Tests, making him Wales’ all-time leading try-scorer and one of the most exciting wings the game has ever seen.

“Shane is a fantastic player who has given rugby some very exciting moments and it was always a good measuring stick whenever you came up against him. If ever there was direct correlation to the phrase ‘dynamite comes in small packages’, Shane was definitively it. His fleet-footedness, pace and game changing ability made him one of the best and most exciting wings the game has ever seen.”

3. Bakkies Botha – The Human Wrecking Ball

Bio:
Known as “The Enforcer,” Bakkies Botha was a colossus in the Springbok engine room. A 2007 World Cup winner alongside Habana, Botha’s physicality and uncompromising style made him one of the most feared locks in world rugby.

His partnership with Victor Matfield became legendary for both South Africa and the Bulls.

“I was lucky to play with Bakkies for South Africa and in Toulon. However, before that he'd caught me a few times and it was like being hit by a bus. A player who carried his team on and off the field.”

2. Jonny Wilkinson – The Ice Man of Rugby

Bio:
England’s World Cup-winning fly-half, Jonny Wilkinson, was the epitome of precision and professionalism.

Renowned for his tactical brilliance, defensive grit, and legendary left boot, Wilkinson guided England to World Cup glory in 2003 and later became a fan favourite at Toulon — where he shared the field with Habana.

“It's always between him and Carter for most people, but to me Jonny is the measuring stick that all number 10s are compared to. I was very lucky to spend a few years playing with him.”

1. Richie McCaw – The Game’s Relentless Commander

Bio:
Arguably the greatest player of all time, Richie McCaw redefined the role of the openside flanker.

Captaining New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup titles (2011 and 2015), McCaw’s leadership, work rate, and intelligence made him one of the most respected figures in rugby history.