Sonny Bill Williams inspired by Kiwis’ League win
By Chris Barclay, 15 Nov 2010 Chris Barclay is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- All Blacks, Four Nations, Kiwis, Rugby League, Sonny Bill Williams
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Sonny Bill Williams took inspiration from the Kiwis’ Four National rugby league final defeat of Australia as he delivered a man of the match performance for the All Blacks.
Former league star Williams drew plaudits from All Blacks coach Graham Henry for his trademark one-handed off-loads in the tackle as his team routed Scotland 49-3 in their rugby union Test at Murrayfield on Saturday.
“As long as I can keep my foot in there, stay in the 22 and get a bit of game time here and there, I know I’ll improve,” said delighted centre Williams after only his second rugby international.
Williams had risen early to watch on television as his old Kiwis “bros” stun the Kangaroos 16-12 with a last-minute try in the Four Nations decider in Brisbane.
“I was pumped up watching the boys go, I definitely took inspiration out of it,” he said.
“Back when I was playing there was still that gap between us and Australia.
“Right now, I think we’re up there. You can just see the way the boys play. They play with such aggression, they’re not scared of Australia.”
Williams was especially impressed by playmaker Benji Marshall, whose flick pass contributed to Nathan Fien’s match winner.
“Benji had a magnificent game, he’s really come to the fore.
“Benji has just blown me away the last couple of months the way he’s been playing.
“He’s one of those guys you go to games to watch, he’s a special talent,” said Williams, who could have been talking about himself.
“It was great seeing him go well especially when he and I were coming through the grades we had similar (shoulder) injuries.
“We were out together and it was pretty tough on him. It’s great to see him back on track.”
Williams said it would be interesting if that track eventually brought the Kiwis skipper to rugby.
“We always talk about the league boys and who would do well. He’s probably a Quade Cooper (Wallabies) kind of player.
“He can create something out of anything, he’s light on his feet.”
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The Crowd Says (4) | Page 1 of Comments
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- All Blacks, Four Nations, Kiwis, Rugby League, Sonny Bill Williams
November 15th 2010 @ 8:28am
saliosi said | November 15th 2010 @ 8:28am | Report comment
He wasn’t a great rugby union player as a juniour benji but gee i reckon he’d be handy now, his kicking game and defence would need to improve but with front foot ball he would be electric. Sonny is developing nicely although scotland were pathetic still yet to be tested in a tight slugfest but that doesn’t happen often in an All Blacks jersey.
November 15th 2010 @ 7:50pm
mick h said | November 15th 2010 @ 7:50pm | Report comment
scotland will never beat the all blacks on that performance good to see sony playing like he did at the bulldogs
November 17th 2010 @ 6:04am
jus de couchon said | November 17th 2010 @ 6:04am | Report comment
SBW wasnt that good v England. In fact he looked like a passenger and clearly out of his depth. Unions obsession with League players seems to be boundless though.
November 17th 2010 @ 11:21am
Tui said | November 17th 2010 @ 11:21am | Report comment
Jus, you are the first person to say that. SBW set up a try and was solid on his debut in a very flat game. He was not “out of his depth” at any point. The guy is very special.