New Zealand recall Sonny Bill Williams for another crack at the 2017 Lions
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Sonny Bill Williams has been recalled by the All Blacks and ordered to give the British and Irish Lions another dose of the Blues, writes Alex Spink in Rotorua.
A week after inspiring the Auckland-based Blues to victory over Warren Gatland’s team, the three-sport superstar is back for more.
“I’m starting to feel a bit nimble,” Williams warned after returning to the New Zealand side for the first time in two years. “I’ve lost a little bit of weight and I’m probably a bit stronger and a bit faster.”
Providing he survives Friday's tune-up Test against Samoa, the two-time World Cup winner will be thrown to the Lions.
(Photo: INPHO/Photosport/Peter Meecham)
(Photo: INPHO/Photosport/Peter Meecham)
(Photo: Getty)
All Blacks boss Steve Hansen did not make a fuss of the 31-year-old when announcing his line-up in Auckland.
He did not need to.
The Lions are still haunted by what he did to them at Eden Park — venue for two of the three Tests in a series which kicks off on Saturday week.
Their Welsh scrum-half Rhys Webb labelled the star of rugby union, rugby league and boxing a “monster” after he scored one try and brilliantly made a second to condemn the tourists to their first loss. “He’s special, a big game player, an athlete and a world class individual.”
In the continued absence of Kieran Read, New Zealand have named fullback Ben Smith captain for the first time.
(Photo: AFP/Getty)
The world champions are also missing Dane Coles, the best hooker in the sport, who is replaced by Codie Taylor.
But the return of Williams is the eye-catching selection.
The last time he wore the New Zealand jersey was Halloween 2015 at Twickenham, when he earned a World Cup winners’ medal — which he promptly gave to a 14-year-old fan who had been stopped from getting to him out on the pitch.
Since then, he has become an Olympian and spent six months recovering from the ruptured Achilles he suffered in that Sevens tournament in Rio. Followed by a concussion and a knee injury.
”It’s been tough,” said Williams, who looks likely to come up against Lions’ No.12 Ben Te’o — an old adversary from their days in Australian rugby league. “I was so focused on getting stronger and faster that when I finally got back on the field I wasn’t expecting to have the speed bumps that I’ve had.
“In saying that, I’ve always had faith in my ability, I just needed a bit of game time. I’m starting to show signs that I’m getting to where I want to be.”
NEW ZEALAND XV (to play Samoa) B Smith (capt); I Dagg, A Lienert-Brown, SB Williams, J Savea; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, A Savea.