Habana vs Kolbe: Who wins?

Bryan Habana is the most prolific try-scorer in Springbok history while Cheslin Kolbe has been sensational for the Boks since making his debut in 2018.
Both wingers played vital roles in South Africa winning the 2007 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
If you can only choose one of them, who gets your vote?
#Rugby #Springboks #HabanaVsKolbe

[@thobanibilly-nelson2115]

kolbe runs like a springbok you'll never know his direction and habana runs like a cheetah both of them are great i love them

[@Julien-yc3zy]

That's exactly what I told myself

[@JBStefan]

Very good analogy!

[@jeremyrogers4839]

Very difficult to pick!

[@sosthenes_stone]

Well said...!!!!

[@mjribes]

Don't think you can compare these two. Habana had amazing straight line speed but Kolbe is an amazing stepper. They are completely different players with Habana being more comparable to Mpimpi in the current Bok setup.

[@Ballers247]

Comparing Habana to Mapimpi.... How so?

[@mjribes]

@@Ballers247 In that Bok team the closest player to an Habana was Mpimpi. Mpimpi and Habana are almost identical heights and weights and they have very similar speeds. Kolbe is more of a Paulse - smaller with an amazing step.

[@Ballers247]

Got you👍

[@glennvanzyl4066]

I would say the closest to BH is Apiwe Jantjies electrifying pace and skill just a shame bout what he did not Mapimpi

[@Nyasalands_Finest]

@@glennvanzyl4066 nah Aphiwe was more skillful. Aphiwe's and Cheslin's skills are out of this world. Habana, Mapimpi are in the same bracket.

[@rothnieoosthuizen3728]

Tough call, but I suspect if you ask either of them, they'll point to the other guy.

[@jamesgeraghty1037]

Excellent comment

[@BawlzOfuzz]

True that 💯

[@salan3507]

They'll probably say Doug Howlett.

[@rothnieoosthuizen3728]

@S Alan maybe, but they're nice guys, not stupid guys. Dougie did have the best hairdo though.

[@TheXaelem]

I think Habana had an incredible ability to create space and opertunities... Kolbe doesn't need space. He is able to do more with less.

[@bukhosimbotshane1667]

Facts

[@HenryDube72]

Too soon to compare the two, it's Bryan Habana at this stage as he has achieved a lot in his career.

[@pieterniemandt1733]

Sure l would say Kolbe is better. But as you say, he still has to prolong his career to level Habanas achievements.

[@toiletsmithy3630]

@@pieterniemandt1733 kolbe not better than habana. Only thing kolbe does better than habana is stepping

[@pieterniemandt1733]

@@toiletsmithy3630 yeah l think it is just all the hype of the world cup still lingering.

[@leeroydeorgo9988]

@@toiletsmithy3630 dankie!!! Daar is niemand soos habana nie hy is di goat in rugby

[@lindumusamkhabela1137]

​@@toiletsmithy3630 Kolbe is way better than Habana, it's beyond stepping..How many positions can Habana play as compared to Kolbe?

[@oldman774]

Habana is a legend, let’s give Kolbe time before judging him next to Habana

[@rebelf4i]

Agreed. Although Kolbe was spectacular in RWC 2019. But he has not proven himself to the extent of Habana (yet).

[@orange8811]

I would choose kolbe

[@dizaj5544]

True

[@nox6885]

Thank you. Kolbe is hectic, but if you break down Habs career. You cannot compare them. Also scored 57 international tries playing against what was at the time perennial 2 best teams in the world. Not only that, he played in a period where the Boks and Bulls we very defensive and never swung the ball to the wings. I love Kolbe to bits, but he needs to play more internationals and score as may try against good opponents to even compare. Just my half a cent worth....

[@oldman774]

Chuma Nogxina Yep, agree, interesting stat is under Jake White Habana scored 30 tries in 37 test matches, under Pieter de Villiers Habana only scored 10 tries in 38 test matches, under Heineke Meyer he scored 25 tries in 43 tests.

[@BK-vz3mx]

Habana...but Cheslin giving me the win after such a rough year and bringing me to tears in England takes it.

[@xolintusi966]

Unfair comparison...way too soon. But, even then...Habana was just something else!!!

[@vincentloverugby2905]

No doubt Habana was faster, probably one of the fastest players ever. Kolbe the better stepper though, if I had to choose one Habana in his prime was along with Lomu probably the best wing ever.

[@Stroh538]

Agree 100%

[@vultureog8496]

Don't wanna lie dude i grew up listing habana he's the best don't wanna lie kolbe come though

[@akiladesilva7422]

Indeed

[@theralledward9452]

Pound for pound... Habana beats Lomu hands down.

[@menzimngadi6793]

Habana is more effective. They have different styles but share a few similar strengths e.g. timing , work rate, positional play acceleration and speed. Kolbe has amazing feet but Habana is quicker and more direct and stronger on contact and on his feet.

[@wedzetiger1999]

Both are on fire

[@riyaanbrink8574]

Still get chills when i hear.... That is it South Africa

[@andriesengelbrecht63]

I still goosebumps and shout out loud when I see that step!!!

[@TheCuteLittleDoggy]

yeah, I live in England now and I HATE the England sports teams. I love it so much when SA destroys England :)

[@sbusisoduma9068]

This is it

[@kellybradford9054]

I just won ,$11,450 to gambling investments and sports rigged matches. Used to think it was fake now I'm a beneficiary and a testifier. If you might be indebted and in need of sure and 100% correct scores to win on any betting account? Join the VIP GROUP chat.whatsapp.com/DqNeeEFO9PIClBNcESYUHE Call/Text/WhatsApp[phone]

[@kmanmog3241]

Very different playing styles, but i'd say Habana was quicker and Kolbe has superb footwork and elusive..both incredibly talented players in their strengths

[@Nyasalands_Finest]

Cheslin is posting similar times and even quicker in sprint tests according to Mzwandile Stick (Boks Backline coach). Kolbe was quicker than Senatla and Specman over 10m and 40m sprint tests and was only slower than Mapimpi..

[@laidsgpr63]

These two guys are just electrifying. Man, roll on the next world cup !! Go SPRINGBOKKE Go man Go !!!

[@SodaSeezn]

I hope we win it mate...

[@redarrow1348]

Can't choose would have loved to see them both on the wings for the boks frightening carnage 😍

[@caseyjones831]

Habana wins , he was a rugby every man able to play from 6 to 15 , his work rate was phenomenal to boot if he wasn't scoring he was directly influencing the game in other ways be it tackles creating space or closing down enemy channels he was a superhero on the field I believe he was our best player ever and will be for a long time to come . Plus he was a great wing too😘

[@pjneethling26]

I wish Habana could come out of retirement to play for The Springboks just to score 5 tries so he could be the highst scoring test player in history.

[@lukewilkinson7095]

Right now I'd take Habana, simply because of experience. We have to remember that Kolbe has only been on the international stage for a couple years. Ask the question in 5-7 years time the answer might be different

[@JTM1809]

Come on, guys. Let’s be real. I love Cheslin as much as the next guy, and he will forever be one of my sport heroes (not only for the amazing WRC finals try, but also for the challenges he’s overcome, and his overall excellence), but Habana is the GOAT. The only other winger in history, that’s in the same class with Habana is Jonah Lomu. They’re in a league of their own.

[@tobyhart8515]

If we are considering the past 50 years I would say that Ray Mordt and Carel du Plessis would push these 2 guys for right and left wing berths in an all time Bok 15.

[@salan3507]

Doug Howlett.

[@familylink4424]

That doesn't mean he couldn't be better

[@Me-ex7qg]

Jeff Wilson, David Campese, Rupeni Caucau, Joe Rocokoco are all in the same class as those two.

[@JTM1809]

@@Me-ex7qg Campese is in the neighborhood. The rest ... nah. All great players, though.

[@george941]

Different kinds of players But I would choose Habana

[@dangerdane2197]

Kolbe is just a magician the way he creates space so well. He makes a gap where one never existed

[@MegaSwissWatch]

Habana obviously for now. .. more experience.

[@chrisreid1103]

Habana is more faster on a straight foot race but Kolbe is more witty and flexible with his speed .... but both are spectacular

[@ytlover7924]

Incomparable right now untill Kolbe finishes his career, Habana was a beast

[@nicolettefensham1215]

Can't compare these two.They are 2 best wings in the entire world.

[@john.f8726]

Kolbe at 14, Habana at 11.

[@Martin-pb7ts]

I think you just won this discussion.

[@rynriaslabbert2095]

it says wing not number ... wing is wing

[@john.f8726]

@@rynriaslabbert2095 I have no words. If you don’t know the difference, maybe it’s time for you to follow another sport.

[@archiejamieson5089]

@@rynriaslabbert2095 11 and 14 are wing?!?!?

[@fantasticcharisma6724]

No question Habana is a legend.

[@lourensswanepoel3514]

You can’t compare the two. First one specialized on the left wing while the other is on the right. Kolbe is starting out and has a bright future ahead. Habana showed consistency - until his soap adds ;). Most players take a career dip once they get to much attention. If Kolbe kan handle that he will be right up there with the best once he hangs up his boots. He has already showed the class and mindset to get him there.

[@SATexan]

Bryan Habanna is still my man- kolbe still needs to prove a lot more to become a legend- Habanna is a legend

[@johannmalan2994]

Habana is a legend, Kolbe is going to side step himself into the same status.

[@dirkfolscher3001]

Sheer pace and running straight will always trump dancing wingers. Good defence will shut down Kolbe, but you can't tackle a player, if you can't catch him. If Habana wasn't stopped within 3 meters, of him getting the ball, he would have scored 8 out of ten times.

[@harryocallaghan8082]

I didn’t realise how young Kolbe is still. He’s only 26! He’s gunna have some career!

[@aidanviljoen3209]

They both have unique skills as well as a winning world cup medal

[@charlesfilander7198]

habana will always be the fastest speedster he was a legend when he played rugby he will always be the speedster of south african rugby

[@66RV]

Not only are they both terrific wingers, also great personalities with 100's of 1000's of kids looking up to them wanting to play rugby. Love'em both.... If I have to choose, Habana just because if been an avid fan for over 10 years..

[@daisysuperdog2814]

Let us all calm down here boys. Cheslin is awesome and very exciting, but Habana is King and will be for a long time. He has 66 Springbok tries to say so.

[@akiladesilva7422]

They're both great but I'd pick Habana

[@jdowe6682]

Both are coloured boys I feel so inspired by them😌

[@Tshegomokwana]

Colored Boys play rugby very well you should be

[@johannesvandiegroenbergen4153]

They are both Black. Whatever “Coloured” mean.

[@percivalmtungwa1114]

@@johannesvandiegroenbergen4153 mixed race

[@azizadevries4501]

You cant compare apples to pears. The are both legends. No one runs with Habana's speed and no one has the dancing skills of Kolbe on the rugby field.

[@jonathanmowers6170]

Habana for sure best ever, kolbe great stepping player.

[@theoldboiz.2003]

I dunno. But Habana is one of the greatest of all time. Lets revisit in a few years.

[@mhcronje]

Habana everyday of the week.

[@henkstols9326]

Habana has something Kolbe needs to be comparable, B&I scalp and that is to harder to achieve than any wc. Kolbe is good but Habana is a legend.

[@kmm_alpha]

Both play beautiful rugby tbh

[@nickybabalas]

Both different types of player. But both had pace√; step✓; individual brilliance✓; defence✓; finishing abilities✓ I would argue Bryan seemed to chip more, whilst Kolbe I feel is better under the high ball. If I could pick a SA 15 team for all time. They both mould make the list. Legends. Kolbe still has a huge career ahead.

[@tinashemuchemwa7701]

kolbe still has a long way to go before catching up to the lgend Habana , tho they have diffrent strengths i still think habana did the most judging stats,, so kolbe stil has to add to his achievements greatly... shoutout to kolbe for the RWC final..bt e road is still long

[@mogammedflanders4240]

Still extremely early to tell as Colbe has just about started his test career. Both brilliant players in their own way.

[@missasinenomine]

The bits without the annoying musical noise were by far the best.

[@f.a.b.m.7669]

Bryan Habana, just one of the greater wings all times aside Jonah Lomuh.

[@reinhardtherrmann5485]

Would've liked them playing together.

[@akiladesilva7422]

That goes without saying

[@epatongan]

Kolbe has a mean step with deceptive speed. Habana had blazing speed and wasn’t shy from contact.

[@Martin-pb7ts]

Agreed but I don't think Kolbe is scared of contact either. He put in 2 critical tackles in the World Cup Final one was against Maro Itoje and it stopped a try-scoring movement in it's tracks.

[@toiletsmithy3630]

@@Martin-pb7ts Just keep kolbe away from clarke Then kolbe would be ok

[@kellybradford9054]

I just won ,$11,450 to gambling investments and sports rigged matches. Used to think it was fake now I'm a beneficiary and a testifier. If you might be indebted and in need of sure and 100% correct scores to win on any betting account? Join the VIP GROUP chat.whatsapp.com/DqNeeEFO9PIClBNcESYUHE Call/Text/WhatsApp[phone]

[@TimK]

Both legends in their own right!

[@aussiesaffa4395]

2 very different type wingers, kolbe wins this for me due to his unpredictability and entertainment factor, but habana will go down as one of the greatest wingers of all time

[@stevenffarah]

Totally different type of players. Better to compare Habana to Mapimpi both players who are pure speed but Colbe another level because of his side stepping

[@kanyapenxa780]

Or even Kolbe against Aplon?

[@ryanwaugh1]

Is Mapimpi that fast? Everyone tells me he is but I’ve never seen him outstrip the opposition like Habana did. But I agree with you Kolbe and Habana completely different.

[@JTM1809]

Ryan Waugh The thing with Mapimpi is, that he just consistently keeps scoring tries, regardless of the level of the competition. He’s not lightning fast, he’s not the biggest guy, he’s not the best side-stepper either. Yet it somehow doesn’t seem to matter as he in spite of all that simply always finds a way to score tries.

[@JTM1809]

Kanya Penxa I think Cheslin Kolbe should be compared mainly to other small-ish incredibly elusive side-steppers like Shane Williams or Christian Wade.

[@jandreneethling5664]

SumoRugby I think you can add Damian McKenzie in that mix as well...

[@gerhardsmit578]

Both great, Habana greater speed, especialy on topend. Kolby, dancing feet, great feeling for the game, like Brian... Different eras though... My vote will have to go to Brian!

[@cornevandermerwe2902]

Habana in his prime was electrifying too much speed over kolbe but on the other hand kolbe is the better stepper

[@renierrobbertse4189]

Kolbe is still young and can become a legend like Habana, But until someone scores 60+ International tries they will not beat Habana

[@warrenclaasen9792]

Bryan was a centre converted into a winger, hence he didnt have the stepping ability of a winger of the likes of Colbe. The reality is that we aren't comparing apples with apples. But in the end they both was and is brilliant and both have world cup medals

[@warrenclaasen9792]

And Im obviously glad both wear a springbok Jersey

[@Martin-pb7ts]

Habana has the record for the most tries in World Cups which he shares with Jonah Lomu while Kolbe has something Habana doesn't - a try in a World Cup final.

[@ejsmith9194]

Centre's should be aiming to step as good as a winger does. Usually they aren't as good because they aren't as quick usually being bigger and having less space to run with.. but stepping at centre can create big gaps as much as it can lead ro running into a brick wall.. but at the end of the day a good centre with speed should be using high level footwork.

[@toiletsmithy3630]

@@Martin-pb7ts habana only been to one RWC and no tries were scored in that game

[@Martin-pb7ts]

@@toiletsmithy3630 I think you might need to do some homework. A simple google search for "Habana world cup tries" will sort you out.

[@kanyapenxa780]

Hard to call. Kolbe's work ethic, step, skill under the high ball and defence outmatch Habana's in my opinion but there's just something that made Habana different... a legend

[@qcthesxientist]

Habana understands and has a better rugby iq and awareness of where he needs to be as well as better straight pace that makes him clearly the best even with kolbe having better technique talent and general athleticsm.

[@lii114]

You right the difference is speed I would say

[@kellybradford9054]

I just won ,$11,450 to gambling investments and sports rigged matches. Used to think it was fake now I'm a beneficiary and a testifier. If you might be indebted and in need of sure and 100% correct scores to win on any betting account? Join the VIP GROUP chat.whatsapp.com/DqNeeEFO9PIClBNcESYUHE Call/Text/WhatsApp[phone]

[@ihaveafootfettish237]

I love Kolbe I really do but Habana is on a whole other level

[@tumomotlatla3316]

Habana was very direct.

[@blondecaveman9100]

Bryan Habana is the second highest try scorer in rugby with 67 tries. He is the GOAT.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Who wins? South Africa! Both great players in their own rights and their own styles, neither better or worse than the other, just different. And ultimately South Africa wins because of players like these.

[@ngiagee1467]

Who wins? That's insane. They are both great, and both winners too.

[@syddee]

Kolbe more versatile, can kick too, Habana was great, but inconsistent and he mucked up a lot too. Chessie gets my vote for sure, he should have been selected years ago, look at what he has achieved since 2018, insane !!!

[@jontheb123]

Habana has achieved more. Both have World Cups, but Habana has gold medals for Super Rugby and the Heineken Cup.

[@rubenvanrensburg6339]

Speedwise id say habana because he was one of the fastest wingers we ever had. And agility wise and the quickness of feet id say Kolbe

[@daisysuperdog2814]

Brian will be king for a long time but Kolby is awesome.

[@karinsnyders496]

50%/50% me choose both Habana faster and colbe best stepper so 50 /50

[@thespeaker6322]

Habana , 100%

[@JacobusVdWesthu-iv5hq]

You can't compare them, both are very good and the best on the field

[@willemkotze2611]

in 2005 Habana burst on to the scene and made everyone notice. In 2006 he was a very closely marked man. Kolbe will also be very closely marked this yea..r

[@jacqueshughes3085]

2 completely different players. One is a stepper and the other a speedster. One is relatively new to international rugby while the other is the top try-scorer in the history of tier-one nations - 67 international tries. Ask me again in 8 years time.

[@bathandwasilumko1632]

Both of them 🐐

[@pioburese3775]

Bryan Habana! 🤴🐆🔥

[@kellybradford9054]

I just won ,$11,450 to gambling investments and sports rigged matches. Used to think it was fake now I'm a beneficiary and a testifier. If you might be indebted and in need of sure and 100% correct scores to win on any betting account? Join the VIP GROUP chat.whatsapp.com/DqNeeEFO9PIClBNcESYUHE Call/Text/WhatsApp[phone]

[@glennbotes8937]

Posting this a few days after the Boks beat France, Kolbe's deserves legend status with Bryan.

[@PatrickCuba8]

Habana is legend blitz'ing opposition for years, Kolbe has only in the last two seasons fit into the Bok setup. Give a couple more years before you can compare Kolbe to Habana.

[@nkunapatrick]

Bryan is a speedster, doesn't need to side step because he can back himself up with pace. Kolbe on the other hand is not that fast (relative to most wings) but has excellent footwork to create space in tight situations.

[@Nyasalands_Finest]

Funny thing is Kolbe is just as fast as Bryan over 40m but quicker over 100m according to Mzwandile Stick.. In terms of raw speed remember Bryan was 3rd behind Nokwe and Chavhanga in the Bok setup and behind Demas at the Bulls..

[@Martin-pb7ts]

I would choose Habana but only because he had such a long and successful career. If Kolbe gets the same amount of game time and caps I think he would overtake Habana. Kolbe only has 14 Springbok caps while Habana cracked 124. That is a pretty astounding difference. At 26 Kolbe probably has 4 seasons left and one of those he wants to play Sevens and have a crack at an Olympic medal with South Africa. So that is 3 seasons with a max of about 33 potential caps. I just don't see how Kolbe can match Habana for staying power or output but damn he is wonderful to watch. Overall I don't think you're comparing apples to apples.

[@alani281]

Imagine Habana and Kolbe in the same Springbok team ❤

[@len2son]

There are 12 people (dislikes) who think both players represented the Boks because of the 'quota' system.. Oiy!!

[@MrJabbothehut]

Habana is faster on the straight sprint but man cheslin kolbe has the best current sidestep (reminds me of shane williams back in the day)

[@thejohnjohn2460]

In terms of pure pace - Habana In terms of sidestepping and flair - Kolbe

[@willemkotze2611]

They two are different wingers in they way they play. Habana had blistering pace but you hardly saw him step his way past defenders he just used his pace. Kolbe is like Shane Williams and Jason Robinson, small but with a great ability to side step himself past five defenders. Kolbe is fast as well but not as fast as Habana. Jetshoes and Chavanga were probably the two fastest ever Bok wings.

[@Stroh538]

100%

[@rpapibear13]

i think kolbe is a better dynamic player offensively/defesively where habana was pure speed. The video of kolbe play 10 and kick for goal in the french top league is pure class

[@kellybradford9054]

I just won ,$11,450 to gambling investments and sports rigged matches. Used to think it was fake now I'm a beneficiary and a testifier. If you might be indebted and in need of sure and 100% correct scores to win on any betting account? Join the VIP GROUP chat.whatsapp.com/DqNeeEFO9PIClBNcESYUHE Call/Text/WhatsApp[phone]

[@neomosige]

I love both of them.but Kolbe is.into another level

[@bennievandenberg2043]

Habana most definitely

[@notyoureverydaycultist2579]

I just cant compare them I love them too dearly

[@j.psensational6860]

Habana all the way

[@TheFearlessDave]

What rubbish! Kolbe still has some time before we judge. Habana was fast, talented - AND he worked for that ball. Kolbe is a great stepper. Both have excellent vision. Habana Prime for me.

[@lii114]

Dont think we can compare them cause they different players with different skills . But thanks for the great video

[@francograpelli3060]

Imagine Habana would play together with Kolbe in the actual team. They would be very hard to defeat.

[@mwroysan]

Habana has all the pace, Kolbe has all the skills. A wicked sidestep that Brian didn't possess...Both great though🏉

[@kylegenaro4780]

Way too early to ask such a question..Habana is the GOAT of springbok rugby

[@lungelokeswa6102]

I'm a fan of both but putting Havana against Cheslin now is something else, Kolbe is on a league of his own we can all see that

[@shyletmwakuma3840]

HABANA takes it all for me

[@maandamalowa1178]

Both are great there is no way i can choose

[@eshay8546]

Habana more exciting to watch,

[@davekc2482]

Habana was a beast not a fair comparison at this stage of young kolbe's career..

[@bukhosibethudube8391]

Life time Legend kolbe

[@user-wm3ky3qd2j]

A easy choice Both are great players and looking forward to see Cobi's name as ledged soon ,they both change the gameplay so vote Both due to different style of play

[@paulrooy371]

Too soon to call.... Also, Habana was an outright speedster who took on everyone for pace and beat them..... later in his career he bulked up and became a formidable tackler. Kolbe is also fast but I’m not sure if as fast as Habana.... BUT.... he possesses a magical step that leaves opponents flatfooted an guessing how he did it. Give it some time…. let’s have another look around the time of the next RWC….