Fleet-footed Habana has mouth to match

Bryan Habana considers it a privilege to be playing for both the Bulls and the Springboks. Clive Rose / Getty Images

Run? He is reputed to be the quickest player in South Africa and admits he could cut out the 100m in about 10.7s.

Talk? He could probably represent the Republic there too with the speed and length of his answers. Nothing monosyllabic, like many interview subjects in the rugby world.

Bryan Habana expresses himself freely, with the engaging innocence of someone who loves his job. What is not to like, he asks, when you are 22, travelling the world and getting paid to play rugby?

"I am living a dream. I am passionate about what I do and blessed with some amazing talent," he adds.

"No one has to wake me up to motivate me and force me to go to work.

"When you are my age playing for a successful Bulls side, playing for a successful Springbok side, then I don't think you need anything more to motivate you.

"Coming to New Zealand is great, and wherever you are the people are always so friendly."

If points were given for public relations, Habana would have given the Bulls a handy lead going into tonight's match at Eden Park against the Blues.

As it was, Habana was one of the reasons the Blues lost 38-24 in Pretoria last season as the Bulls charged to the play-offs after losing four of their opening five matches.

Habana scored two tries, including one solo touchdown that earned him the Try of the Year title in a season when he was also the South African Rugby Player of the Year.

Quiz him about that try and he shows some reticence, trying to divert the conversation towards tonight and how the Blues, despite their record, are as dangerous as any side in the series. Even his precis account is worth recalling, though the Blues will not need any reminders.

"I had just scored a try and was walking back for the kickoff talking to Jacques Cronje when I thought the Blues might kick it out towards our side. I imagined kicking it out and setting up a lineout.

"Instead I managed to get a little space, got around Doug Howlett who was chasing, then I think I made it past Mils [Muiliana] and Steve [Devine] before I chipped it over Isa [Nacewa].

"The ball bounced and I thought it was going to go out, but it stayed in even though I juggled it a bit before I scored. The crowd really went ballistic before I got mobbed by my teammates."

Habana's eyes sparkle as he recalls the magic before he delves into the pre-match chat favoured by all sides, that their next opponent is to be feared.

"We will just be happy to get a win here," he says. "We have shown that if we are up for it we can beat any team, but the Blues have very physical forwards who do not stand back.

"We have to be able to keep our minds cool and put our bodies on the line."

This will be Habana's first game on Eden Park, and he thinks his father, Bernie, will be in the crowd.

He watches most of his son's matches around the world, making business trips to coincide with the Bulls or Springboks' next venue.

He was in Perth last week but returned to Johannesburg on business, and Habana thinks his return flight will arrive today.

"Having his support is great, and one of the great things about dad seeing so many games is that he is both critic and supporter. He loves his rugby, likes being with the team and for me, that is unbelievable." Habana credits his mother, Faith, for his inherited sporting genes. She was a talented gymnast and hockey player while her son, named after the legendary Manchester United midfielder Bryan Robson, played soccer at primary school.

It was only when he went to King Edward VII School the year after the Springboks World Cup triumph in 1995 that Habana turned to rugby.

In his own words he was a "little runt" whose head almost disappeared when he strapped on his shoulder pads. Habana's size meant he played halfback until about four years ago when he switched to centre or wing.

Habana's rise to prominence was quick. He played for both the national under-21 side and the Springboks in 2004, making his test debut as a substitute against England at Twickenham when he scored a try with his first touch. Since then Habana has matched his 15 test matches with 15 tries and embellished his reputation as a finisher, a strong defender and someone who claims regular intercepts. He credits the Springboks' visual awareness coach Sheryl Calder for helping him snaffle those opposition passes.

"She asked me why I went to the gym, and I said to get bigger. Then she asked me why I didn't take my eyes to the gym. I didn't really understand what she was on about until I went on a programme and it has really helped."

Habana is not deterred by the perception that the Bulls are reluctant to move the ball away from their halves and forwards.

"We do not want to play too much in our own half, and often it is tough for the opposition to grind it out against our pack in their half. As backs we are not worried; we get our chances."

Bryan Habana

* Born: June 12, 1983
* Test debut: 2004
* 15 tests
* 15 tries