Sonny Bill Williams maintains he’s happy to have made the transition to Sevens rugby, with New Zealand winning through to the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong tournament in less than convincing style.
The Kiwis finished top of Pool A on Saturday – winning three from three pool matches over Samoa, France and Kenya – but it wasn’t as smooth sailing as normal.
The Gordon Tietjens-coached team comfortably overcame Samoa 28-10 but lacked conviction in beating France 19-17 with a late Tim Mikkelson five-pointer and they pipped Kenya 5-0 thanks to a try to veteran DJ Forbes with two minutes remaining.
It all meant the the All Blacks Sevens – perennial powerhouses on the World Sevens circuit and sitting third on the standings – will face Wales, runners-up to Fiji in Pool D, in Sunday’s last eight.
However, the Kiwis will have to do it without captain Mikkelson, who was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle sprain before their win over Kenya.
Williams, a two-time World Cup-winning All Blacks centre who won’t turn out for the red-hot Chiefs in Super Rugby this year, scored the last of four tries against Samoa.
He was happy with his progress as he worked towards locking in a spot in NZ’s squad for the Rio Olympics.
“There’s no higher honour than to be an Olympian, so I know I had to put my hat in the ring for the whole year,” said Williams in front of a partying Hong Kong crowd who were revved up by entertainment from David Hasselhoff and Scottish band The Proclaimers.
“I had to play the game as much as I could just to learn the game. I’m definitely happy with my decision. But I’m a long way from making the Olympic squad.
“From a team point of view … we really have to dig deep so tomorrow is going to be a really testing day. We’re going to have to keep it simple and work hard for each other.”
In the other quarter-finals, Australia face England, the United States take on South Africa and Fiji battle Kenya.
taylorman
Roar Guru
As expected, easy win to Fiji in the end.
moaman
Roar Guru
Hey TM......fyi mate it's "bated" not "baited" breath! (Unless the breath is really bad,of course,then 'baited' might work).Attract eels,eh? ;-)
taylorman
Roar Guru
Strong word that. Sarcastic? Yes. Cynical? Probably. Hate. No. Back to school for you NB. Great semi final between SA and NZ. End of second half of golden boot extra time. Amazing defence from both sides. You just knew SA were not going to let them break through so the chip to the wing became the only way through. Excellent match. NZ Fiji final after Fiji were too strong for Oz. Fiji look the faves, very impressive. I'd say an easy final win to Fiji based on those matches.
Not Bothered
Guest
Oh good, more irrational hate from TM.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Nothing like getting the latest on SBW ay? We can all breathe easy now. Sevens, boxing and Lions, or Toulon. I mean we await with baited breath on that one. Just hope he knows whether to turn left or right on the way to work. I mean he might turn up to a rugby match with boxing gloves. Wouldn't want that now.?
Boris
Guest
Who cares about SBW he's more of a worry to non-Kiwis they're looking for an Olympic gold medal and that will fill the trophy cupboard out 100% me thinks?
Not Bothered
Guest
The latest is that he hasnt. The latest is that league, NZRU and Toulon are all confident he will sign with them but any further than that is speculation.
flying hori
Guest
The latest is, hes signed with Tulon for next year.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Sonny Bill has done OK at Sevens and he will go to Rio. He has the promotional ability to bring in fans. But where to after that? His rugby league club Easts expect him back next year but with a British and Irish Lions tour next year...Who knows.