Springbok winger Bryan Habana has been named South Africa's Rugby Player of the Year for 2007, beating teammates Victor Matfield, Juan Smith, Fourie du Preez and Percy Montgomery.

Habana also won the award in 2005, while halfback Du Preez picked up the prize last year.

It has been a dream ride for the 24-year-old this year, with his Bulls team winning the Super 14, the Springboks claiming the Rugby World Cup and then Habana walked away with the Player of the Year prize at the annual IRB awards.

Habana also picked up the prize for Try of the Year at the annual SA awards held in Johannesburg on Wednesday night. His match-winning try for the Bulls in the Super 14 final against the Sharks was deemed to be the best five-pointer of the season.

The Bulls' victory in Durban was their first title triumph in the Super 14 competition.

Habana, however, did not walk away with all the silverware on Wednesday night. His Bulls teammate Du Preez was named his country's top Super 14 player, while Sharks and Springbok utility Francois Steyn was named South Africa's Most Promising star.

Cheetahs first five Willem de Waal, whose provincial team won the Currie Cup, was named the competition's best player, while he also picked up the award for Players' Player of the Year, voted for by fellow South African players.

Veteran whistle-blower Jonathan Kaplan won the prize for South African referee of 2007.