Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has leapt to the defence of the “unbelievable” Sonny Bill Williams, who has been the target of scathing criticism from Springboks boss Peter de Villiers.
Speaking to his home newspaper The Press from South Africa, where the Crusaders are preparing to play the Central Cheetahs this weekend, Blackadder was not prepared to get into a public debate with de Villiers.
But he said rugby needed heroes like Sonny Bill, who was a “fantastic player and a great role model”.
Before the Crusaders monstered the Western Stormers last weekend, de Villiers was dismissive of Williams’ flamboyant offloading skills, which he described as “a bad example to aspiring youngsters”.
“I hope he will mature his game,” the Springboks coach said. “He’s doing everything wrong what rugby principles require of you in the game.
“Backhand passes shouldn’t be the norm … it has become the norm, now everyone wants to do that kind of nonsense.”
A youngster watching Williams would get the wrong impression of the core skills needed to play the game, de Villiers added.
“He’ll spend hours and hours on the things that are not important and never master the most important things of rugby.”
Williams starred in the Crusaders 20-14 win over the Stormers with his offloads and powerful running and winning praise from Blackadder.
“This game needs heroes. All the kids are running around calling offloads ‘Sonny Bill Williams’,” he said.
“It’s like when Jonah (Lomu) was playing. We should embrace those people with natural, special gifts. It’s great for the profile of the game.
“I think Sonny’s a fantastic player and a great role model. He’s a real professional and he seems to be able to express himself … He’s got an instinctive ability which is just unbelievable.”
Bazza all black
Guest
Matt dunning looks like he ate a hero ...
Rugby Reg
Guest
is PDV realy richard prior? is he a rugby coach at all?
Ben S
Roar Guru
Matt Dunning is my hero.
Funk
Guest
I'm just a little dissapointed that we as a society have lost sight of what true heroism is: Hero - a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. Sorry but definately not $BW. Agreed he is a good rugby player and his skills on the field should be looked apon as good qualities for kids wanting to become rugby players, but a hero - definately not!
soapit
Guest
yeah can't believe they felt the need to repond to him.
Chris of Vic
Roar Pro
Gold :)
jeremy
Guest
Hilarious. When I read his comments I immediately thought of Helen Lovejoy 'Won't somebody PLEASE think of the CHILDREN??' Who gives a crap whether or not kids focus on their flick pass fundamentals? They'll very quickly establish that being able to offload in the tackle is a skill somewhat less important than being able to avoid tackles, this tended to occur quite early at my primary school, generally around 8 years old when tackles started hurting. And any kid who goes into a development programme in SANZAR will very, very quickly be disavowed of the importance of one set of skills in absence of everything else.
Spencer
Guest
Thanks Damo! That is bloody funny.
Hanzo
Guest
Does anyone take any notice of P-Divvy anymore? Surely we are smart enough not too listen or make comment on this guys ramblings! Aarrgghh too late!!!
le roo
Guest
PdV is a motivational genius, only he's a little confused as to who he is supposed to be motivating.
Damo
Guest
Look what Peter de Villiers was trying to say was- ' look, he's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!'