Former Cup-winning coach backing SBW
FEAR not, New Zealanders, about the Lion-slaying abilities of offloading savant Sonny Bill Williams. The man who first introduced him to the All Blacks has no doubts about his ability to be a difference-maker in June and July.
Sir Graham Henry, the only man to have coached both the All Blacks and British and Irish Lions, is backing Williams to time his run expertly, straight into the New Zealand midfield to face Warren Gatland’s tourists in three tests that will capture the attention of the watching rugby world.
Right now Williams is one body in a crowded group of contenders battling for spots in the All Blacks midfield to face the Lions in tests in Auckland (June 24 and July 8) and Wellington (July 1).
Incumbents Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown (so impressive in 2016) head the list, alongside Williams, Malakai Fekitoa of the Highlanders, Rieko Ioane and George Moala of the Blues and Hurricanes trio Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor and Vince Aso. You could even throw Canes rookie sensation Jordie Barrett into that mix as an X-factor floater who covers midfield, wing and fullback in an extensive portfolio.
Williams starts a bit deeper in the field after his belated introduction to Super Rugby following his ruptured Achilles in Rio last year. Sunday’s clash against the Brumbies in Canberra will be just his second start, and third appearance, for the Blues in 2017.
But Henry, who oversaw Williams’ introduction to the All Blacks in 2010 as a code-hopping superstar, is confident he will emerge over the next month as a key component of Hansen’s midfield to face the Lions.
‘‘He’s proven himself in the past,’’ noted the 2004-2011 All Blacks head coach. ‘‘He’s just a bit rusty and hasn’t played a lot of footy after the Achilles injury. But he was fabulous in the [2015] World Cup and that wasn’t very long ago.
‘‘He’s played some very good football for the All Blacks, made a difference in the World Cup and I’m sure he’ll play well against the Lions.’’
Though Williams has been a bench player for both World Cup victories in 2011 and ‘15, Henry expects him to nab a starter’s spot against the Lions.
‘‘The midfield spots are highly competitive, and there are a lot of PHOTOSPORT good young players there. But Sonny Bill will be well aware of that. He’s a good pro, he’s got another few weeks to stamp his class on the game and I’m sure he’ll do that.
‘‘When he’s played for the All Blacks he’s made a difference, and I’m sure Steve Hansen and the selectors will be well aware of that.’’
Henry was also impressed with the form of halfbacks Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara, who can both make outstanding cases for the starting halfback’s spot against the Lions.
‘‘Aaron had a few challenges last year which affected how he played but he’s a class act. He was the best halfback in the world for a long time, and he looks like he’s coming back into form. Perenara went from strength to strength last year. He was not considered good enough for a while but they certainly know he’s good enough now.
‘‘Two world-class halfbacks. What else do you want in life?’’
But he agreed that Smith’s snappy delivery and pace of game probably suited the starter’s role. ‘‘He’s the quickest in the world at getting the ball away, and quick ball from the breakdown is superb. He’s also a good kicker of the ball, and is always looking for opportunity.’’
Henry hoped veteran loose forward Jerome Kaino would recover in time from his minor knee op, but was relaxed about the alternatives if required. ‘‘Let’s hope he’s right because he been a fabulous All Black, but there are other guys who can step up and do the job.’’
Henry was happy to add his voice to the chorus marvelling over the feats of Beauden Barrett in 2017.
‘‘He’s been the player of the year so far. He’s playing better than I ever thought he could.
‘‘It’s got a lot to do with his attitude and desire to get better, but his coaches have done a superb job. He used to play a bit deep but now he’s playing flat, and with Beauden Barret playing flat you can never take your eye off him because he’s gone.
‘‘They’re scoring so many tries off his kicks because they’re so accurate, and there’s very little hang time. It’s a kick-pass really.
‘‘So he’s got it all and has been unbelievable so far in 2017.’’
‘" .. he was fabulous in the [2015] World Cup and that wasn't very long ago."’ SIR GRAHAM HENRY