Brian Habana for JDD: “DuPont? Almost unheard of”
Brian, why did you become an ambassador for Defender, a brand that is heavily involved in the Rugby World Cup?
I have been engaged to him for more than fifteen years. I was one of the first ambassadors of rugby in South Africa. The brand’s slogan is “Courage the Impossible”. It is closely linked to the values of rugby. Its leaders support the game and heroes, even the most unknown, from the smallest to the largest. It is an honor and privilege for me to be one of them.
South Africa begins their campaign on Sunday in Marseille (5:45pm) against Scotland. Is she the most likely candidate to succeed her?
We have challenged the impossible many times (smiles). This World Cup will be the most competitive without a doubt. The top five teams are in the same half of the table: Ireland, South Africa, France, New Zealand and Scotland. And look what Fiji or Japan have done recently. The overall level is unbelievable at the moment. This lopsided picture will give Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji and Wales an easier path to the final.
In form against the All Blacks, Antoine Dupont will be eagerly awaited throughout the competition. what do you think about it ?
It is impossible to sum it up in a few sentences. His progression, his talent, his defensive return, his playmaking distance, his creativity, the fact that he can start the game with both feet… there is only one like him in every generation. It would have collapsed under such great pressure, but it was quite the opposite. He adds consistency to his performance. Almost unheard of. He has reached a similar stature to that of Richie McCaw, the legendary New Zealand captain. Rugby needs characters like Antoine to continue developing.
Do you enjoy seeing some of your former teammates or Top 14 competitors develop?
enormously. I played with Olivone and Toufeneoua in Toulon, and I played against many other players as well. Aldrete was 21 when I finished, and he was already a tough guy. Six years later, you see how huge it is. Tao worked out so hard because people thought he was overweight. He showed how amazing he is. Villiers, Fico who left Toulon for Toulouse and then Racing, Damien Benaud, whom I adore, a man in love with his heart, as we say in his homeland, an artist. Then Thomas Ramos. What ease it exudes, what subtlety! It was an honor to play with you, and I am still attached to you. For many rugby ‘fanatics’, this is the most complete French team in history with world-class players, from No. 1 to No. 30. Even without Romain Ntamac, it’s an amazing group.
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