SBW ready to embrace the moment
Sonny Bill Williams seems more comfortable in his All Blacks skin as he heads into his second Rugby World Cup.
Williams has arrived in England on the back of a season of fits and starts, but carrying the momentum of a man content with four jampacked years since winning the Webb Ellis Cup in New Zealand.
‘‘I’d probably just say embrace it wholeheartedly,’’ the 30-year-old said when asked what he’d learned through playing at at two World Cups, rugby union’s in 2011 and rugby league’s in 2013.
‘‘Don’t see it as something that is going to weigh you down. Just embrace it and play footy. I know everyone is excited just like myself, but just embrace it.’’
Whether Williams was able to do that four years ago in New Zealand was questionable as he struggled to get game time and was used only sparingly during the All Blacks’ run to the title.
It must have been a frustrating experience for a player who was in his prime at the time. The following year he led the Chiefs to the Super Rugby title, then in 2013 spearheaded the Sydney Roosters to the NRL crown.
Two years later, and two years older, Williams comes across as a bloke entirely focused and invested in the All Blacks cause.
‘‘You never know if it’s going to be the last time in an All Blacks jersey, or last time on tour, so I’m just trying to enjoy it,’’ he said.
‘‘Going back and looking at those experiences, the reason you play well is if you don’t let it get to you.
‘‘Even though there is a lot of media here and a lot of pressure on you to perform, you just keep it simple and go through your daily processes, tick those boxes and I’m sure it will work out.’’
Just how it works out for Williams over the next six weeks is unclear. Form aside, he remains a rare athlete, a player capable of dismantling opposition defensive lines with his ability to offload, and one of the better defenders in the game.
But he is parked behind Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith in the midfield stakes and competing with explosive youngster Malakai Fekitoa for a spot on the bench.
Form and injury could play a part on both fronts, but whatever happens Williams clearly can’t wait for the opening match against Argentina on Monday.
Often subjected to criticism for chasing sporting goals on multiple fronts, his focus on the World Cup was clear when asked by a local scribe about his Olympic sevens aspirations.
‘‘If you put your mindset anywhere else besides that you aren’t going to do the jersey justice, or the brothers you play alongside justice,’’ Williams responded.
Williams is the only All Black to have played at Wembley, the venue for their opening pool match against Argentina, after being part of the Kiwis famous 20-18 World Cup semifinal win over England.
Shaun Johnson scored a stunning match winning try that day, while Williams’ brutal battle with fellow code-switcher Sam Burgess made for a tough day at the office.