Bryan Habana: Springboks will never condone losing

Bryan Habana in Springboks training (Photosport)
Bryan Habana in Springboks training (Photosport)

Springboks winger Bryan Habana knows victory on the weekend won't necessarily dent the All Blacks hopes of defending their Rugby World Cup title.

Habana was part of the South Africa side that beat the All Blacks 18-5 in the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but said build-up wins are nothing more than a marker.

"We saw in 2011 that even if you beat the All Blacks before a World Cup, it doesn't really mean anything going into the World Cup," said Habana.

"I think for our confidence it's important that we go out and make a good marker, not only as a team, but as individuals as well."

The Springboks are looking to bounce back from a last-minute 24-20 defeat against the Wallabies last weekend, with Habana saying there is no better way of turning things around than beating the world's best.

"Anytime you come up against the number one team in the world it's a massive opportunity, this weekend more so than not after a disappointing result down in Brisbane last week.

"Coming up against the best team in the world, at a stadium that I really love playing at, it's going to be fantastic.

"We get another opportunity to test ourselves, but also lay down a mark in terms of where we want to go for the rest of the year.

"It's a great opportunity against an All Blacks side we really do respect, but respect's not going to win you the game on Saturday (Sunday NZT).

Habana firmly believes the Springboks can topple the All Blacks at Ellis Park, a venue where they tasted success last year sneaking away 27-25 winners.

"I think leading into a year like this, every game is important. As a Springboks side, we will never condone losing, whether it's in preparation for a World Cup, whether it's by the mere fact we're blooding youngsters or giving guys opportunities.

"You pull that Springboks jersey over your head, you have a responsibility to go out and do your country proud."

The Springboks host the All Blacks on Sunday morning (NZT).

South African team (15-1):

Willie le Roux; JP Pietersen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana; Handre Pollard, Ruan Pienaar; Schalk Burger (capt), Francois Louw, Heinrich Brussow; Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira

Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Flip van der Merwe, Warren Whiteley, Cobus Reinach, Patrick Lambie, Cornal Hendricks

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