SBW relishes the true tests

For Sonny Bill Williams there is nothing like either the pressure or the pleasure of pulling on that black jersey of his country.

When it comes to arguably New Zealand rugby’s most misunderstood individual, one goes with the other while representing his country in the highest gladiatorial arena of his sport.

So while the emotions may be swirling for the 32-year-old as he mounts his latest comeback from injury with a Blues side struggling for form, and desperate for results, the looming All Blacks season helps fix the focus.

In his first interview since making his return from a sixweek injury layoff in last Friday’s

36-15 defeat to the Hurricanes at Eden Park, Williams spelt out the ramifications of Sunday’s All Blacks squad announcement, and his return to an environment that’s always challenged him beyond all others.

‘‘Yes, my primary focus and mentality is in the present, and I feel like if I do well for the Blues the rest will fall into place,’’ the

46-test midfielder told Stuff yesterday.

‘‘God willing I get picked in the All Blacks jersey and if I do I want to make the most of it, but enjoy the journey and make it a meaningful one and enjoy being back in that tough environment.

‘‘That environment is where the pressure is at an all-time high because when you step out on that field there’s a benchmark you always have to uphold playing in that black jersey.

‘‘I love that, and at my age, and where I am, it’s all about a meaningful experience. That’s the thing I focus on and when all that comes to fruition I get a good performance.’’

Williams’ motivation levels are high in his second start to the 2018 campaign, after sitting out that long stint with his fractured wrist.

But not just to be the best rugby player he can be.

‘‘Bro, I’ve got heaps of goals, and footy is just part of me. My goals focus around me as a person, being a father, being a husband, and how am I as a person. If I have those ticking along the footy just seems to fall into that because I’m a driven individual.’’

Williams is an empathetic individual. Even after his team’s challenge against the Hurricanes stalled around the 50-minute mark, and they saw a 15-14 lead morph into a 36-15 defeat – their eighth of the season – he found a positive to share.

‘‘I said to the boys after the game I was proud to share the field with them that night because you could see they emptied their tank. That’s a big thing for us with all the adversity we’ve faced this year.’’

Williams says it’s been difficult watching his team negotiate the injuries, the form lapses and the defeats.

‘‘I see the adversity the boys have had to deal with, and not being out there to physically help them is tough. As rugby players that’s what we know how to do.’’

This week, against the Crusaders at Eden Park on Saturday, he says they all have to be better than they were last week.

‘‘We’ve got our work cut out, but we just need to focus on us, bro, and if we can bring that effort where we just leave everything out on the field, that’s the first step.’’