- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The imposing figure of Sonny Bill Williams is likely to pop up in a new position in the All Blacks Rugby World Cup match against Japan on Friday, but just where is a closely guarded secret.
The 6ft 3in (1.91m) and 110kg Williams has played almost all his rugby at inside centre since leaving French club Toulon last year to return to New Zealand with a World Cup berth in mind.
He was primarily a centre for Toulon but with a handful of games on the wing and in the backrow after previously being a standout backrower in Australia’s National Rugby League competition.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said on Thursday Williams had played well in the 41-10 win over Tonga last week and would get another opportunity off the bench against Japan, possibly in another position.
“He’s played all his rugby this year virtually at 12, inside centre, and we might try and play him elsewhere … you’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
“I don’t want to make any rash promises here because he’s a quality footballer, he creates opportunities, he had a big work rate last week and played well.
“The two centres we’ve got, (Ma’a) Nonu and (Conrad) Smith, have played a lot of rugby together and played very well for the All Blacks and created a high standard for the All Blacks.
“He might break in there or he might get an opportunity elsewhere. We’re just looking at that situation.”
Williams’ first game for the All Blacks was at outside centre, partnering Nonu, against England at Twickenham last November, and he came off the bench to replace Smith in the 13 jersey against South Africa in Wellington in July.
His other six Tests for the All Blacks have all been at inside centre.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.