Sonny Bill Williams is yet to play a sevens tournament but his influence has already been striking for two other high-profile Olympic hopefuls.
Ardie Savea and Akira Ioane are alongside Williams in the All Blacks Sevens squad to contest this weekend’s Wellington leg of the world series.
Two of the rising stars of New Zealand rugby, both dynamic loose forwards are reducing their Super Rugby workload to chase a spot in the New Zealand team to compete at Rio in August.
Both former national age group standouts, they shone in a season each of international sevens, with Savea (2012) and Ioane (2014) having made their debuts at the Wellington tournament.
Their performances this weekend will be closely watched although knocking cross-code kingpin Williams out of the headlines will be a tall order.
Savea admits the SBW factor has rubbed off since joining the All Blacks Sevens squad earlier this month.
“I’m in awe, having Sonny around. To be in the shower, or in the pool with him, it’s quite buzzy,” Savea said.
“Sonny’s like a magnet. The guys like to hang around him. It will be awesome to play alongside him and run off his famous offloads.”
Ioane will play alongside younger brother Rieko, 18, for the first time in sevens. Rieko burst onto the scene at last year’s tournament which the home side won.
Akira Ioane says the brotherly connection makes the tournament special, along with playing alongside 30-year-old Williams.
He was an admirer of Williams’ skills in both rugby league and as double World Cup-winning All Black.
“He’s a professional in his own right. He is that player that transition from anything – he’s got the whole package.”
Savea is the younger brother of All Blacks winger Julian, who joined most of the World Cup-winning squad in choosing not to chase an Olympic sevens medal.
cuw
Guest
@ Machooka he seems happy , but whether married or not is not known. he did have a girlfriend and a baby daughter and the whole family were seen in dubai. he was officially there to support his sister who played for the womens 7s team :) but we know he came for the shopping :P
cuw
Guest
from the little i saw in itm cup, lam has lost pace. now if only bryce heem was still available, especially with so many big boys missing. the man to look out for is regan ware. he was unfortunately injured in dubai. hardly got a chance to show his abilities. (if i recall scored a try in dubai and limped off injured ... difficult to keep track of the injuries of nz 7s this season :) )
cuw
Guest
somehow the path that statement is taking seems a little politically incorrect :P
Muzzo
Guest
Yep Chook, SBW should go well, but I am also expecting big things with Julian's younger brother Ardie. The Ioane brothers will create havoc, as with Reiko, being one of the stars last year, & his year older brother Akira, creating some very impressionable plays for the Blues last season. The return of Ben Lam, will show how badly he was missed, no doubt.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Gotta say... I thought SBW was happily married?! I likewise thought the story's heading was the best descriptive line for a story I've seen in some time. Well done Editors!
mike
Guest
Like he's the first guy to have a man crush on SBW?!
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Classic! Hey if it helps with bonding....
abc
Guest
hahahaha!!!
ben
Guest
"To be in the shower or the pool with him......" "sonnys like a magnet".....hmmm...?