One of the fastest men to ever play rugby union was born on this day, 33 years ago. Habana has earned a reputation as one of the most lethal finishers in history, the winger’s 15 tries at Rugby World Cups putting him level with New Zealand great Jomah Lomu.

A tally of 64 Test scores for South Africa has also seen him move level on the all-time list with rambunctious Australia legend David Campese, just five behind leader Daisuke Ohata of Japan.

Habana can still be seen tearing things up for French giants Toulon and the Springboks, with a new challenge coming this summer at the Olympics.

In typical style, the Johannesburg-native wasted no time introducing himself to international rugby as he scored with his first touch.

His finest year was 2007, where a World Cup win was followed by being named IRB Player of the Year.

 

Other sporting stars born on this day:

1957: Javed Miandad, Pakistan’s greatest batsman and a player in six Cricket World Cups, 59.

1979: Diego Milito, lethal former Argentina striker who won the Champions League with Internazionale, 37.

1980: Larry Foote, former NFL linebacker who earned two Super Bowl rings with Pittsburgh Steelers, 36.

1992: Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool and Brazil playmaker who is nicknamed Little Magician, 24.