Sonny Bill William expects family loyalties to be divided and he just hopes his father is wearing an All Blacks jersey for the historic Test against Samoa.
Williams will start at inside centre on Wednesday in New Zealand’s first match in Apia and in the opposition ranks will be cousin and Chiefs teammate Tim Nanai-Williams.
Having been to Samoa several times, the Auckland-born Williams has a fair idea of the reception that awaits the All Blacks when they arrive in the Pacific Island nation on Monday night.
“It’s probably going to be pandemonium,” said Williams, who won a NRL Premiership with the Roosters in 2013 and lost against Souths in the preliminary final last year before his move to rugby union.
“The boys won’t be able to move. They love the All Blacks just as much as they love the Manu Samoa team.
“It’s exciting times, special times as well because there are a few of us who have Samoan heritage. I’m just hoping my old man wears his All Blacks jersey and not his Samoan one.”
Williams said Nanai-Williams had been in regular contact in the build-up.
“He’s been sending me videos of the boys training over there, how hot it is, different little things, billboards that the boys are on,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to playing him. I’m not too sure about trying to tackle him. He’s got those twinkle toes.”
The Test will be the 29-year-old dual international’s 24th for the All Blacks and comes after a Super Rugby season disrupted by injury.
“It was a pretty tough Super Rugby campaign, not just because we got knocked out early, but for myself, a lot of injuries,” he said.
“But at the moment, I’m feeling really good. The body is feeling awesome and I just want to stay on the roll that I’m on at the moment.”
RPALALA
Guest
GO ALLBLACKS!! ALL DAY EVERYDAY!!
Ra
Guest
The reality is they were picked by the All Black selectors to play for the All Blacks. I don't see the drama. It doesn't matter about full strength, household name or who is better than who in my opinion or whatever. As soon as they step onto that field, they are All Blacks. And all the emotional statements in the world wont change that, or their sky rocketed value in the market place.
Ra
Guest
I mentioned this sometime ago. There was an interview / discussion between ex All Blacks I saw on TV once about being an All Black and the black jersey. John Kirwan, Fitzy, Buck and Alan Whetton were some of the speakers I think. They supported each other in saying if you put the jersey on, you've earned it, you're an All Black and no one can take that away from you. Can anyone else remember that interview ???? Atlas ? Alanthus ?? Digger ?? Dave ?? Kia Kaha ??
Sylvester
Guest
I thought Fekitoa was a total non-event in the final.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
What, you think they are playing soccer !
Jibba Jabba
Guest
Just enjoy and celebrate the occasion winnie....
Islandstyle
Guest
He's also the one you'll see showing different coloured cards like yellow and red lol Sorry bro just couldn't stop myself. Door was already opened hehe.
Ralph
Guest
Steady on brother, you make it sound like we own the game and can do whatever we want whenever we want to. All respect to you and yours and good luck for the game! We are doing what we can to honour the game and people of Samoa, I wish we could do it more often but let's celebrate rather than lament the realities of modern sport and the almighty dollar both our countries live under.
Ralph
Guest
He's the guy in the middle adjudicating the rules of the game for both teams, thanks for asking... Sorry, couldn't resist.
Council
Guest
Comments like yours and Ryans are pathetic and are a cancer to NZ rugby. Harsh yea, but attitudes like this, and having a go at a team when they aren't doing well (not you guys, just in general) are embarrassing.
Targa
Guest
I seePaul Cully (SMH) named Fekitoa in a competition dream team : http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/super-rugby-final-shows-europe-why-the-south-is-still-the-best-20150705-gi5bad I have to agree - haven't seen a better 13 last year. His chasing of Ben Smith's kicks was a key component of the title win. He shutdown any counterattacks and marshalled defence with Buckman (a transplanted winger) brilliantly. I fear for the ABs with 3 players in 10, 12 & 13 who are past their best (although Nonu has had a great year) so hope they have Fekitoa ahead of SBW and Crotty as midfield cover.
Winnie
Guest
That's exactly what I am talking about. Savea, Smith, Smith, Smith, Nonu, Coles, Retallick all missing from the starting squad. You then have players like Barrett, Perenara, Franks, Jane and Fekitoa, missing from the bench That's pretty much 7 starting first choice ABs and 5 players who would usually be first choice bench players if not starting. The reality is it is a experienced team of individuals however it is not the best team the ABS could field. So what these players were never going to be considered that is irrelevant to the point I was making. This is not even close to the team we will see line up in Bledisloe 1
Not Bothered
Guest
Nigel has no idea what he is taljing about.
Gonzo
Guest
NZ by 20 - 30 Dry track, backs eager to make the WC squad and forwards who know how to get it done. I think the Manu will fight bravely, but the fitness and class of the ABs should overwhelm them in the final 20.
Gonzo
Guest
He's picked the best XV available. How has he been disrespectful?
Brisbane boys
Guest
Who's the Ref
dsat24
Guest
mate its been a while since a Samoan backline has been damaged...
dsat24
Guest
Small ground, mega excited crowd, Haka and overlapping Siva Tau, emotion of ABs in town and Manu names returning home to play on an occasion, with Jerry Collins in the minds. Nah it'll be pretty quiet and the ABs will just have to show up :)
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
I should clarify my point regarding Ngatai, Weber and Laulala. They are worthy of being there. All three are likely to feature in future All Black teams. If they are to make a contribution on the field in this match then at least allow them the opportunity to do so and not run any of them on with a few minutes to go simply for the sake of doing so.
Nigel Imrie
Guest
First Test first loss for AB's, show respect for Manu Samoa Hanson!!!