Bryan Habana acknowledged that his hat-trick of tries against New Zealand for the Barbarians was one of the highlights of his career.
South African flyer lights up Twickenham in Barbarians win
Bryan Habana acknowledged that his hat-trick of tries against New Zealand for the Barbarians was one of the highlights of his stellar career.
The South Africa winger put in a man-of-the-match performance at Twickenham as the Baa-Baas recorded an historic 25-18 triumph.
Demonstrating his trademark searing pace to the full, Habana pierced the previously impenetrable All Blacks defence to earn a standing ovation at the ground where he made his Test debut in 2004.
"Scoring three tries against the All Blacks hasn't quite sunk in yet," Habana stated afterwards. "They were probably some of the easiest tries.
"New Zealand haven't conceded a try in their last two tours to Europe so to score three against them is a real bonus.
"The Barbarians take us back to what rugby is really about - the friendship and camaraderie. This game was a fantastic spectacle."
Matfield joy
Habana's South Africa team-mate Victor Matfield captained the Barabrians and expressed his delight that the current side had joined the fabled class of 1973, who triumphed 23-11 at Cardiff Arms Park.
"It's an amazing feeling," Matfield said. "The whole week we heard about the traditions of Barbarians rugby.
"We watched a little bit of the 1973 game last night. It's just amazing. To be part of something that great is awesome.
"The guys are very happy. It's been one of the best weeks we've had as professional rugby players. We played for each other.
"We had a lot of fun but went out there and played like professionals, putting our bodies on the line to play for the traditions the Barbarians stand for.
"It was very close to a Test match."
Winger Ben Smith and lock Anthony Boric touched down for New Zealand who fielded a second-string side and it was to prove costly as they fell to the only defeat of their Tour.
Barbarians coach Nick Mallett was quick to pay tribute to both sets of players for the hugely entertaining spectacle they put on.
"A lot of people have been depressed about the quality of rugby on show last month but today we saw two teams who had attacking mindsets," declared the Italy coach.
"They defended well but looked to attack. Of course there was kicking - that's a part of the game - but there were also tries."
Henry upbeat
Despite the loss, New Zealand coach Graham Henry insisted his side's tour, which started with a 32-19 victory against Australia in Tokyo in October, had been a success following wins over Wales, Italy, England and France.
"Some guys played well today and some didn't play as they'd have hoped," he said. "It doesn't feel like back to the drawing board.
"We're very pleased with the way the tour has gone. The Test team has re-established itself with some younger guys getting experience."
