England v South Africa: Bryan Habana so happy he won't face Steffon Armitage on Saturday
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Bryan Habana believes Stuart Lancaster has turned England into a world force again but remains convinced Toulon team-mate Steffon Armitage should be facing South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.
By playing in France, Armitage can only be selected by head coach Lancaster in an “exceptional circumstance”, which could be for next year’s Rugby World Cup. For now, Armitage, the European Player of the Year, is on duty with Toulon and Springbok wing Habana said: “Stuart Lancaster has restored a lot of pride in the England jersey and they play a brand of rugby that pushes the top teams very close.
“Having the World Cup in England, they will want to show they deserve to be up there with the best. It hasn’t been an easy road but they are growing and are respected globally. I am really happy I am not playing against Steffon on Saturday. When you take up an offer overseas you fully understand the implications but Steffon wouldn’t let England down.
“He’s exceptional and has played a massive role in Toulon’s success in the last two years and hopefully he is playing a brand rugby they cannot ignore. It’s sad that a player of his calibre is not getting exposure at international level. He loves playing for England.”
