Sonny Bill Williams. The mega-star, the icon, the sensation and many other fortuitous names come to mind when you hear his name. The athlete that is better known as ‘SBW’.
Amidst all the wonderful names people tend to surround Sonny with, one tends to lead to sour thoughts among many All Black fans, ‘Money’ Bill Williams.
Although his talent is undeniable, given his resume of what he has already achieved in his career, many people tend to question his loyalty and ulterior motives in regards to his selection of teams to represent.
In 2012, when he announced his departure from New Zealand rugby union to the lures of the NRL, many people believed he would return the following year to set himself up for an opportunity to fight for a 2015 World Cup spot. At the end of 2013, he announced he would stay on in Australia for a further year, copping criticism from many Kiwi journalists and fans.
His loyalty was questioned, and the question remained, ‘Can Sonny make the World Cup squad with only one year back in Rugby?’
Fast forward to August 25, 2014. The All Blacks are fresh off an annihilating performance of the Wallabies, sending a huge message to world rugby that they were indeed the team to chase.
Incumbent second five-eighth, Ma’a Nonu, who wasn’t available due to injury, was replaced by Ryan Crotty. Prior to this game, in the first Bledisloe Cup Test a week earlier, veteran centre Conrad Smith was forced to miss the Test, and was replaced by Malakai Fekitoa. Both players proved they were ready for international rugby.
The questions keep arising for Sonny, ‘Where exactly does Sonny fit in among the All Blacks’ squad?’ My answer? There just isn’t anywhere for him.
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew came out with a statement on Monday stating that Sonny didn’t need to play a minute of the ITM Cup, and that he was available for selection for the Europe End of Year Tour, if the coaches selected him.
Given his name and his stature, I do believe they will select him. But what exactly has he done to warrant his selection?
There are young players in New Zealand who play for peanuts, sweat blood for their country and have aspirations to represent the All Blacks, but just never get selected. In walks Sonny (whose interest is questionable) in which they allow him to walk right back into the world-class side that is the All Blacks – for literally nothing.
Players like Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Francis Sa’ili and many more upcoming players, work their tails off to achieve the ultimate goal, which is obtaining a black jersey. They stay loyal to New Zealand rugby union, and never put a foot wrong – but they will still be overlooked by selectors for Sonny.
In my opinion, if Sonny Bill were to walk into the frame for selection at this present time, he would sit fifth for the two starting midfield positions, behind Nonu and Smith, Crotty and Fekitoa.
If the incumbents (Nonu and Smith) were both injured, I would still start Crotty and Fekitoa over Sonny. He has more natural talent then all four of them, but put him directly into rugby in its current state, and I strongly believe these four players would outshine even the great Sonny Bill Williams.
Don’t mistake this for hating, I marvel at Sonny’s talent just as much as the next person. I make efforts to watch any team he plays for just to watch if achieves the impossible play, so I don’t miss out on any magic he may produce.
In regards to this subject, I believe him not returning for 2014 has him stuck in a tight spot, giving him only one full season to make a serious push for a World Cup spot. I believe it has dented his chances, and given his issues (loyalty and interest) in representing New Zealand, I think it’s only right he works his way into the squad, rather than walking into it.
Take into accordance what he is doing for rugby league in the NRL. The NRL use him to market the code, and in doing so he is proving his worth in that regard. He is playing top-notch footy and for the defending premieres. Australia love him (as do Kiwis), and they hinge onto anything with Sonny on it. He is the marquee player for their code, so why leave it? Why leave a code where you are a certified star, to a code where you may just barely make the final 22?
At the end of the day, he is a supreme talent and I do believe he will be selected much to a lot of All Blacks supporters’ dismay. But what New Zealand has is a production line stronger than any other country in regards to rugby. Don’t look to superstars to fill in the gaps, use the talented players already in the system who have proven themselves time and time again.
If Sonny does make the World Cup squad, however, I see him being the bench cover for Ma’a Monu, as he is light-years ahead of him in any rugby sense for the second five-eighth position.
Ai Rui Sheng
Guest
The NZRFU is a very professionally run outfit but suffers from a chronic shortage of funds. The All Blacks make up the only profitable component of their business so they must do everything ethical to increase revenue. They are receiving a mozza from IAG, not my first choice as they were major contributors to the World Financial Tsunami, and Adidas. The population does not fill large stadia in New Zealand, like they do everywhere else, so sponsorship and special events are vital to their liquidity. This also confirms that nations with large stadia are parasites because they do not share the profits with the world's largest crowd magnets. The All Blacks, in most cases, make less money than the Black Caps cricket team or the Warriors in the bookie sponsored NRL.. Therefore SBW is not playing for the money. SBW is not a starting player. Sometimes his impact is invisible, like in the 2011 RWC Lottery final, but many fans love him and flock to matches that he may play in. It is a thoroughly sensible business decision.QED SBW is worth his weight in gold.
Phil
Guest
Is he that bloody good,though?Overated by a long way to me and not even performing as well in league as he used to,so who knows if he will come back to rugby at his absolute best.Why not give him a season in Super rugby to prove how good he is?
Tamworth
Guest
SBW certainly stirs a lot of emotion. If money was his main motivation he would have stayed in France playing rugby, or taken some big offers that would have come in England or even Japan. He would not have returned to the NRL becuase there is a salary cap there, even with third party top-ups. Those best able to make personal judgements - namely the Chiefs and All Blacks who played with him seemed to have liked him, and didn't think there was an ego problem. When he went back to the Roosters they wished him all the best, and said he would be welcome back. So he is different.So lets leave it at that and let Hansen and co. decide where he fits into their plans. He knows he will be competing for a place with Nonu and othersand may find himself a bench player.
Targa
Guest
Who rivals SBW for glamour? Ummm..McCaw Read, Whitelock, Carter, Nonu, Savea, Smith x3 for a start
Targa
Guest
Who rivals SBW for glamour? Ummm..McCaw Read, Whitelock, Carter, Nonu, Savea, Smith x3 for a start
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
Amidst all the negative responses, I appreciate the honest comments from a Wallaby supporter. Cheers mate !
Ance834
Guest
Sorry Loveni, I struggle to see what he has brought to the field that is so fantastic at international level. He was a good player in 2012 - but not brilliant enough to walk into the top team in the world two years later. International Rugby is not checkers, it's chess. Crotty and Fekitoa have done their time. SBW needs to do his again.
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
Whoever you are. Your comments are terrrrrrrrible. Absolute garbage. You claim to talk about knowing things, yet you don't know that Ma'a was rested the whole Steinlager series that year because he had played in Japan straight after the World Cup , and Sonny just happened to be a handy replacement. Please do your research kid, you're embarrassing yourself
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
No. "Dude" he was brought in for cover for the Bledisloe tests because Conrad was injured. The only reason he was at 12 and ma'a was put to 13? Was because he wasn't versatile enough to play 13 and ma'a was world class enough to make the switch. Please dont try to argue the point because Hansen clearly stated it when he had to ask Sonny to play for "injury cover" And the steinlager series? Ma'a was unavailable. Check back in time and prove me wrong if you're so correct. In any sense of the word, Sonny was never infront of ma'a in the pecking orders, so you mate, have zero idea what you're on about. It's ok though. You're just a typical fool to fall under the spell of SBW. You would've been one of those viewers calling for Nonu to be replaced during World Cup time for sonny also I'm assuming? Tell me.. Even in 2012 when he was the "best" 12, did he get short listed for the IRB player of the year award? Like nonu was in 2011 - when he played out of his skin exactly when it mattered for his country? Think it over before you comment back so arrogantly mate.
rugby chick
Guest
That's right. SBW was chosen instead of Nonu,to play the 3 ABs V Ireland games,as Nonu wasn't in very good form. ThenAs you said Hansen kept SBW back to play alongside Nonu for the 1st 2 games V Wallabys when Conrad Smith had an eye injury. I watched those games on TV. They are also on You Tube.It's amazing how some people just don't do their research properly,therefore,they get things wrong. Cheers.
Simon Bedard
Roar Pro
Hey Willie, Good article. I found it interesting hearing a Kiwi's take on SBW. Of course having watched the ABs hand my Wallabies their backsides and send them packing, I sort of wish we could keep SBW, as I think we could use him. :-) Anyway, I think your point about working for the position, not walking into it, is really important. I am sure many AB fans would agree with you. Time will tell if he can cut the mustard....which is an interesting thing...because clearly he is an amazing talent, but geez the AB depth is good.....and as you say, loyal. Good read. Cheers
Sylvester
Guest
Don't see the fuss. This move isn't without precedent, there's limited time for Hansen to work with SBW before possible RWC selection, and there isn't a host of viable midfield backups. SBW proved his worth to union and showed with his successful return to league that he's not beyond switching codes and quickly hitting top form. Regardless of the theories about ticket sales, sponsors etc, Hansen's job is to pick the best team. If the NZRU can assist in fast-tracking a player they've already contracted to the end of the RWC, why wouldn't they?
Sylvester
Guest
Really? I thought the ABs philosophy was to pick the best available players and win.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Go do a google search with the words Hansen, Nonu, Ireland, rested and 2012. Then you can change your name for the millionth time and pretend to be someone new.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Nonu was selected in the 2012 Rugby Championship squad. It was SBW who was brought in to cover for Smith's injury when the NZRU gained permission from Panasonic for Williams to play the first two Bledisloe tests.
Ball'n'all
Guest
So wrong. If you bothered to do a quick cost benefit analysis for the NZRU, you would see why they don't hand over control of the AB players to the NH clubs. There is ZERO benefit for the NZRU to change from the status quo.
Xenomorph
Guest
Oh and he got motm in his last game as an AB/decoy.
Xenomorph
Guest
Wrong mate. Please do your own research. Hansen selected SBW ahead of Nonu and kept him there when Nonu was bought in for C.Smiths injury. Willie please find out what you are talking about first before trying to say I am wrong when youve made up history that doesnt exist. You say its because of injury and OT says it is because he was being rested. Neither is true. SBW was the in-form 12 in Super Rugby and Hansen selected him at 12 ahead of Nonu against Ire but later bought Nonu in at 13 to cover C.Smiths injury. But dont take my word for it, as you say, do some research. ...dude.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Is the fix in, after all it is Chicago
Xenomorph
Guest
No Nonu was bought in for injury cover in the Bledisloe. SBW aved 50 metres per game at 12 over 5 tests in 2012 and was awesome in 3 of his 5 tests mixed in his first test and OK in his other test. His 2 best tests were Ire game 3 and Aus game 2, where he averaged about 80 metres at 12. Heaps of players do that though. Never once was it said that Nonu was being rested. He did say that SBW was the in-form 12 and that he deserves to be rewarded for that.