Williams' exemption important, Hansen says

The funny thing is, the Poms obviously think there must be something in the NZRU decision to grab SBW so they play follow the leader and grab Burgess.....personally, I think both these guys plus Folau, will be huge players in the short game if they pursue that goal and chase an Olympic dream.

OVER REACTING and confused!!..SBW is the best there is, world love to see the best of the best!!!...Kiwi creation and more on its way!!."KA MATE":)))..korero!korero!..Sip up and enjoy the game:))..

OVER REACTING and confused!!..SBW is the best there is, world love to see the best of the best!!!...Kiwi creation and more on its way!!."KA MATE":)))..

Devaluing the All Black jersey or history comes from only one thing-losing. Wales is a prime example of that. SBW is a once in a generation athlete who is making the most of his 10 years or so at the top. Kano shot off to Japan after the 2011 WC, is playing in Australia, in a very similar code that much different? The man is star, attracts crowds, sponsor interest and the media. And can play. If he wants to play union in NZ, then get him in the ABs to help them keep winning, because winning is money in the pro game and money pays for the future. Can't wait, welcome back SBW!

SBW was good enough to be an AB before he returned to league. It's unlikely he's become worse at the game, so why would the NZRU/Hansen cut of their noses to spite their faces?

He ruled himself out of the RLWC, the NZRL selected someone else. $BW changed his mind & said he did want to go after all but waited until AFTER the side had been named to do so. The NZRL then dropped the other player, who did not give way willingly, for $BW who failed to deliver. $BW pulled a similar stunt this year with the ANZAC test except this time the NZRL didn't change their selection, stating it was time to build for the future. $BW then threw out a press release claiming that because of the way the NZRL had treated him at the RLWC, he was withdrawing his services to the team, a team that had already announced they didn't want him anymore. So why, with players grinding themselves into the mud for a shot at AB selection, does the NZRU want anything to do with him?

Agree Dan! Unique SBW! Like Jonah lomu in his prime a delight to watch on the rugby field!

If Steve Hanson wants SBW in his team, with SBW not playing a single game of rugby in two years, it might just be that SBW is one amazing athlete. Remember Steve Hanson has only lost one game in the three seasons he has had the All Blacks. The All Blacks are the best team in the world. High achievers. Who else could walk into that without playing rugby for two years? McCaw, Dan Carter and the other is SBW. All Blacks want him so get over it!!

Ahhh, as with most things SBW, opinion is pretty evenly divided. My two cents... Simply, he is the most naturally talented athlete playing either code...of course the NZRU are going to accommodate him - it would be to their detriment not to. Will he be a major factor or a bit-part player in the next WC? Who knows...but that's not the issue. The uniqueness of SBW is the key here, if he recaptures 2012 form he is on a different level to Nonu. If not, he is the plan B the ABs often lack at WC time.

Are you making the rules?

Not sure how his "antics" showed he doesnt respect the ABs jersey. He made himself unavailable like McCaw, C.Smith, Carter and others have done in union, the Kiwis wanted him to reconsider, he did, end of story. It was made out to be A) A big drama and B) SBWs fault that a player made way for him.

The only start he will get is if Nonu is injured? The only start he will get is if Hansen picks him at 12 or 13 and Nonus fitness is not a determining factor. It wasnt long ago that people were saying he would be lucky to make the squad. Now theyve changed the rules to allow him on the eoyt before hes even played and people are now saying "OK but he wont start". I think he will be first choice 12 next year and will play plenty. Great player.

Media over hype?

His antics towards the Kiwis prior to last years RLWC and his performance in it would suggest that he DOESN'T respect the jersey.... or the team. Selecting him would be an insult to those players who HAVE earned it.

Of course he respected the jersey. He earnt it. He is just super talented and doors open for him.

Disagree totally. If SBW finds his form when he left rugby ( no reason why he won't) he will start for the All blacks. You are kidding yourself if you think the NZ rugby union would go through all this just to achieve a bit of depth in the midfield. Dreaming.

The thing is how often have we had the Carter / Nonu combo working over the last season or 2 ... it's an unfortunate fact but Carter is picking up more and more injuries ... Nonu seems fine and a definite to make it through but Carter has be seen as 50 / 50 at present ..

"Do the ABs need him on the field to win?" Possibly. The ABs won the last WC with their 4th choice 10 so building depth is a smart move when you consider SBW could be a like-for-like substitiute for Nonu. "Does he treasure the jersey as much as the rest?" Yes. He has turned down much larger deals abroad to play for the AB jersey. His situation isnt any different to Kaino/Nonu who both played in Japan but I dont see you questioning their loyalty. "Does he respect team and Country as much?" Hes turned out for the Kiwis & the ABs so I think its clear he respects NZ. Now answer these questions. Does SBW's selection build depth in the midfield? Does fast tracking him into the ABs fold increase NZs chances of winning the WC? If he recaptures his form from 2012 is he a better midfield backup then Crotty/Saili/Fekitoa? Yes is the answer to all hence his selection.

Which of the three questions did you attempt to answer? do the AB need him on the field to win? Does he treasure the jersey as much as the rest? Does he respect team and country as much?

SBW is a winner. The ABs will select as many winners as they possibly can to defend the next RWC. He earned his black jersey just like every other AB.