Sonny Bill Williams to start at centre

Media release – June 29, 2010

Sonny Bill Williams could begin his NZ rugby career at centre, suggests former All Black Aaron Mauger

Sonny Bill Williams may begin his New Zealand first class rugby career at centre, former All Black Aaron Mauger said today.

Mauger, only just back home in Christchurch after nearly three years playing for Leicester in the UK, says Williams could be first seen at 13 for Canterbury as he develops his game.

The Canterbury ITM Cup squad will be named next Monday and AMI Stadium may be a sell-out if Williams is named in the first game against Hawke’s Bay on July 30.

``I didn’t play against him in Europe but I have seen him play and he looks a big excellent prospect. But he is still learning and second five probably requires more tactical awareness and appreciation of the game,’’ 45-test All Black Mauger said.

``So 13 might be good to start with where he could have a little more space to go wide and feed the fullback and wingers.’’

He said it was unlikely the All Black coaches would be tempted to pluck Williams out of Canterbury for the latter part of the tri-nations campaign. Mauger said the big young league convert and ex-Toulon player should have a full campaign for Canterbury so he can adjust to New Zealand style of play.

` `Canterbury is a good place for him to grow his game and it will be beneficial for him to play week and week out in the ITM competition. If he goes well really well he could get an end of year All Blacks tour.

``Time will tell what influence he will have on the All Blacks World Cup chances. He only just started to become successful in France and there is a lot of competition for midfield places with established pairing of Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu complimenting each other so well. Luke McAlister is starting to come back into form and Richard Kahui is strong too so it will be interesting to see what develops.’’

The irony is that Mauger, had he not retired from all rugby in March because of a serious back injury, could have been competing with Williams for a Canterbury, Crusaders and All Blacks spot as well.

``It is just so gutting not to be involved again. But I have moved on. I suspected there were serious problems last season when I couldn’t feel my toes or down the side of my leg after an English premiership game against Newcastle.

``I loved playing for Leicester. People in New Zealand often under estimate the strength of the premiership competition. There are no easy games and the Heineken Cup has an edge; it has real intensity. But down here the pace of the game is much is faster with a higher skill level.’’

Heading into the tri-nations, South Africa was looking strong having embraced the brighter counter-attacking game in recent years, he said. The All Blacks should not worry about results so much this year but focus on picking the right side in preparing for the world Cup next year. He said the squad for the tri-nations looked good but he was among the majority of New Zealanders surprised Hosea Gear had not been selected.

``It’s hard to see any winger in the world playing better than Gear at the moment. But if he keeps producing, he cannot be ignored. I also feel for Zac Guildford too.’’

Mauger said he had begun his first steps on a new career of coaching by helping out various teams in Christchurch and was keen to climb the coaching ladder next year.

Ends

© Scoop Media