British and Irish Lions player Anthony Watson says he does not think Sonny Bill Williams is a malicious player and confirmed the New Zealand star has apologised to him following last weekend’s shoulder charge incident.
While Watson prepares to run out at Eden Park on Saturday and target a Test series-clinching victory over the All Blacks, Williams will be a spectator after being hit with a four-week ban.
He was sent off for a shoulder charge to Watson’s head, leaving the hosts reduced to 14 men for 55 minutes as the Lions scored a gripping 24-21 triumph in Wellington.
“I had to go off for the HIA (head injury assessment), but felt fine. I came back on and felt fine and have done all the protocols stuff, so everything has gone to plan,” Watson said.
“He messaged me on Twitter to say there was no intention, and I don’t doubt that.
“I don’t think he is a malicious player, so I don’t think he intentionally led with his shoulder to hurt me or anything like that. It’s just unfortunate, I guess.”
Watson now has the chance to help the Lions make history, lining up for his third successive Test as the class of 2017 look to emulate what the 1971 tourists managed and win a series in New Zealand.
“It’s all about winning on Saturday,” he added. “Going home as 2-1 losers, you are still a loser.”
Noodles
Guest
Have a good look. He was never going to do anything else. Making excuses for this is totally wrong. You don't have to have much imagination to know what that hit might have done. SBW knew what he was doing. He might well have forgotten that he now plays rugby but if so he has bigger problems than one suspension.
Riddler
Guest
I am a fan of sbw. It was a red card end of story.. But the guy is an immense athlete and apparently not a bad bloke.. I am sure he is hurting for his action. . As chook said.. muscle memory is pretty fair.. Bring on the biggie tomorrow.. can't wait..
Beezlebub
Guest
Three point win not exactly a star result boys...
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Then don't even go anywhere near the 'left arm' thing. Like, nowhere near. You were fine at brain fart - although Chooks 'muscle memory' is probably closer for me.
piru
Roar Rookie
Not from where I was sitting, I understand some Irishmen decided otherwise and then declared NZ a mortal enemy. My take on it was that yes, the clear out was a bit overzealous, but it was exacerbated by BOD putting himself in a stupid position just prior (he had stuck his foot through the ruck trying to be cheeky and was standing fully upright on one leg) - he might as well have worn a target. If the cleanout had been more benign or if BOD had been in a proper rugby body position, it wouldn't have happened. Hard to gain any kind of balance on this now, as the easiest way to view the event is a clip from some Irish show about the worst people in history or something
Ralph
Roar Guru
"Intent"? Pfffft. The truth is neither you or I or anyone else knows what was going on inside SBW head at that moment in time, any claims of intent are empty speculations.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Ha ha. Even Adam Jones didn't see anything wrong with it! #justiceforbakkies Lol :-)
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Bakkies was a clearout at a ruck. Correct. Well Umaga certainly upended and tackled surely BOD though!? Even if it was at the ruck and he didn't have the ball?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Bakkies was by far the worst of any of them. By...far.
piru
Roar Rookie
It was a clear out, not a tackle.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
What about the Aussie? Horwill - no problem there (as mentioned) ;-) Bakkies.... C'mon.....??? Does Umaga's tackle warrant an excuse...... ? Ha ha I don't think SBW deserved 4 weeks either. But deserved the card. Schalk deserved the card too.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Gee lets list a whole lot of excuses for thr bok ones while we let the kiwis fry. Thanks for that objective list Rhino.? Wheres everyone knows for sonny?
hammermarshall
Guest
well said Mark
piru
Roar Rookie
I haven't really said much about it as I thought he deserved a card, but his left arm did come up, as if he was preparing to wrap but didn't get that far. I don't think he should be excused, but I think he just had a brain fart
Noodles
Guest
I think it's a mistake to excuse SBW. The intent was clear and the impact was exactly the sort that must be rubbed out. Muscles do not have memory, brains do. You say it yourself Mark: "he knows he can't tackle without arms". We've all seen mongrels in the game who are otherwise "nice guys".
GC Red
Guest
It wasn't a tackle, and it doesn't matter if he is a good guy or an idiot. it was a red card and that is that. The laws of the game are different now, so looking back any further than this season is futile and skews your point of reference.
stainlesssteve
Guest
test matches stand on their own. if the Lions lose tomorrow, they have one test to their name. and it was a good win a test win is a test win series are for commentators to talk about.
Jerry
Guest
"2005 – BOD and Umaga – outrageous that Umaga wasn’t carded." Not really, cause it wasn't seen and there was no TMO for foul play.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
There's often controversy with Lions tours. 2005 - BOD and Umaga - outrageous that Umaga wasn't carded. 2009 - Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha. Bakkies just did a regular cleanup that happens multiple times every match so his sanction was a bit ridiculous. Schalks looked bad on the TV, but every knows he's not a dirty player and had no intention of going for the eyes. He deserved to be carded. 2013 - James Horwill - no problem there. 2017 - Sonny Bill Williams - fair to be carded. But I think the 4 weeks ban is a bit much.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
SB will be fit and rearing to go when he comes back . Look out opposition ! It's instinct not premeditated and SB is just an awesome footballer not a Rhodes Scholar. I can't understand why it's OK for the ball carrier and it seems on a clean out . Strange game Rugby forward passes are OK up to two metres , off side in defence OK , being metres in front of the kicker when fielding the ball : Brilliant apparently. Late tackles OK . Tackle a bloke 15 cms off the ground and you lose the game . Tommy Wills would be pleased almost Aussie Rule except that they spend all match contesting the ball in air.