Bryan Habana joins All Blacks legend in fan-voted GOAT final

Springbok great Bryan Habana has reached the final of a fan-voted poll to determine rugby's greatest player of the past 25 years - facing off against All Blacks legend Dan Carter.

The poll was conducted on the RugbyPass broadcast channel on Instagram and saw fans from around the world vote in a knockout-style competition, narrowing the field down to just two iconic figures.

Habana - widely regarded for his electrifying speed and clinical finishing - secured his place in the final by overcoming a number of formidable opponents throughout the theoretical tournament.

Voting fans somehow concluded that Habana was better than Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll in Round 1, and fellow South African Siya Kolisi in Round 2, before besting All Blacks centre and former Toulon teammate Ma'a Nonu in Round 3 - winning 64 per cent of the popular vote with over 7,000 ballots.

Some critics of these fan polls suggest that many rugby fans just vote for their favourite player along the lines of national allegiance without an attempt to temper their decision with any meaningful objectivity.

Habana will now meet Dan Carter in the final - the most prolific points-scorer in Test rugby history.

Known for his tactical genius, precision kicking and playmaking skills, Carter steered the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. Throughout the fan poll, the renowned Kiwi superstar consistently garnered strong support; beating Ireland's Johnny Sexton in Round 1 and, perhaps more controversially, Richie McCaw in Round 2; before beating Springbok back row Pieter Steph du Toit in Round 3 to make the grand final.

If nothing else the fan-voted poll highlights the enduring admiration for both players.  The final vote will determine who fans believe is the greatest rugby player of the past quarter-century, with results to be revealed on the RugbyPass broadcast channel.