The Sonny and Jack show, the new ABs double act
Gives plenty of cheek, does Jack Goodhue.
Pleasingly so, too. Not just in the sense that it shows personality, more because of what it says about the All Blacks. Once upon a time new players were seen and not heard. Now, it seems, even five-test fledglings such as Goodhue are able to give as good as they get.
He and midfield partner Sonny Bill Williams were up for media duties in Pretoria, where tomorrow’s clash with South Africa was low on the agenda. Of more interest was the internal dynamic between Goodhue, Williams, Ryan Crotty, Anton LienertBrown and Ngani Laumape.
Rather than resent the young upstarts, 33-year-old Williams relishes the part he plays in preparing them for test footy.
‘‘You take great pride in it,’’ Williams said . . . ‘‘by creating the environment and space for them to come in and express themselves.’’
Which, by the sound of Goodhue’s backhanded compliments, is appreciated by the young bucks.
‘‘Myself, Alby and Ngani, we’re fortunate to have such wisdom with Sonny and Ryan,’’ Goodhue said.
‘‘Ryan just had his 30th birthday a wee while ago and obviously Sonny’s turning 40 next year and to have that experience, for us coming through we’re fortunate.
‘‘I like to think sometimes I’ve got a few things to teach Sonny, maybe about haircuts and stuff. I’ve got a new mullet – I don’t know if you noticed that – but the relationship’s good.’’
Williams sounds as if he’s a big Goodhue fan as a player. If not his banter. ‘‘On the field yes. Off it, questionable,’’ said Williams of Goodhue’s chat.