Being out injured has been greatest blessing, says family man Williams
SURROUNDED by adoring Auckland schoolchildren, Sonny Bill Williams smiles for the camera and signs autographs. As one of the most famous sportsmen in New Zealand, he is used to the attention.
The All Blacks are hardly short of stars but in Williams they possess a freak of nature whose firm Muslim faith, family values and humility mark him out as a fascinating figure. He is undaunted by what’s to come in the weeks ahead.
For Williams, his wife Alana and children Imaan and Aisha take priority over his career — and that will always be the case.
‘To face the Lions will be really special and mean everything to me, both from a personal and sporting point of view,’ he said.
‘But for me, rugby is just a game.
‘I’ve had seven months out with injury and it’s allowed me to have five or six months at home with my family.
‘That’s the biggest blessing I could have had. Being away from the game gives you perspective. ‘As a human being, whatever you do, it’s not just all about work. When you have time away from footy, it makes you appreciate it much more and I think that’s made me a better player and person.
‘I understand now that rugby is just a game and that my happiness and contentment — and that of my family — is more important than 80 minutes.’
Williams’s presence as the leading figure in marketing the Lions series underlines the fact he is certain to start in the black No12 jersey.
The former rugby league star has already beaten Warren Gatland’s side,
producing a scintillating individual display as Auckland Blues downed the tourists 22-16.
At times, Williams, 31, was at a different level from anyone else on the pitch at Eden Park.
His combination of brute power and dextrous offloading was too much for the Lions to deal with as Williams crossed for a try before half-time and created Ihaia West’s match-winning score with a sumptuous pass out of the tackle.
‘I was really pleased with my performance against the Lions,’ said Williams. ‘I’m happy with my game at the moment.
‘I’m feeling fit and in good shape and I just can’t wait to get out there again. The Lions have done a great job. They’re a team who have just been chucked together, everyone needs to remember that.
‘The most daunting thing for them is that they’re playing such tough teams at the moment.
‘The Super Rugby sides are so difficult to play against, but they will be much better for it when they take on the All Blacks.’