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Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks - Source: Photosport -
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If Sonny Bill Williams sounded like a broken record today after being named to start at second five against Tonga at Eden Park on Friday night it should really come as no surprise.
Williams was unexpectedly paired with Ma'a Nonu for the World Cup opener after he was seemingly on the outer after struggling to get game time with the All Blacks this season.
But the initial questions at today's press conference weren't about SBW teaming up for the heaviest centre-field partnership in All Blacks history - 218 kilograms for your information - and they weren't even about Sonny Bill getting a surprise start. Instead they focused on the tumultuous few weeks he has faced in the media spotlight.
"It's definitely not a frustrating time, I'm desperately excited to be named in the side to get my shot. I just have to take it with two arms and really give it a good crack and that's what I'm aiming to do - (I'm) just really excited to be playing against Tonga," Williams said.
Williams has faced the wrath of the New Zealand public and some segments of the media ever since it was revealed he had done an almighty U-turn and decided to stay coy on whether he would stick with New Zealand rugby next year.
The stand-off apparently arose because Williams was keen to sign a sponsorship deal with a soft drink company who are direct competitors of Coke, one of the All Blacks' main sponsors.
But Williams wasn't going down that road today.
"Just like I said bro I'm really excited to be playing this week. Everything else is irrelevant at this stage and I concentrating on Tonga ... that's what I'm doing," he reaffirmed.
The stand-off coincided with the former NRL star struggling to get match time throughout the Tri Nations as the established Nonu and Conrad Smith showed their worth.
So was he surprised?
"Yeah it's just like I said bro - I'm excited, really excited and I don't know how many times you want me to say it but I'm just jumping out of my skin - as the rest of the boys are - and we want to start off with a good bang and I'm just thankful that I'm part of it."
There is a popular train of thought that the All Blacks' selectors have gone with the biggest team possible on Friday because the Tongans, in no uncertain terms, will look to bash them.
When you consider Isaia Toeava and Richard Kahui have been selected on the wings, and are the two biggest outside backs at the selectors' disposal, the notion gains traction.
However it still flies in the face of a New Zealand public who have been demanding all year that the best XV get selected throughout the World Cup so that momentum can build into a crescendo when it really matters.
Nonu, more than anyone, understands he has a huge challenge in the centre position that demands far more of him defensively.
"Yeah I guess it's different in positional roles being in 13. I have been watching Conrad the last couple of years and obviously over the last couple of days so he has helped in that role," Nonu said of his former Super Rugby team-mate.
"Its big shoes to fill with Snaky playing so well at 13, I haven't played there for a long time, I just have to be ready for that challenge in the weekend."
The prospect of playing with SBW for a second time in a Test match, after they did so against England last season, is something that Nonu can't wait for. And he's hoping his direct running lines and those famous off-loads combine to cause havoc.
"Yeah I'm looking forward to play with Sonny and obviously everyone knows about him and what he can do. He's a mega star, a rock and he's a great athlete.
"If he can do his magic, I'll hopefully run off him."
What do you think of the selections and positions? Have your say on the messageboard below.
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Post new commentgreenersideoftheditch said on 2011-09-07 @ 21:07 NZDT: Report abusive post
three different combinations in three games - not rotation? Yeah right! Those who don't learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them.. On that basis, there's every reason to be fearful of another 4 years of pain and suffering..
bombay1 said on 2011-09-07 @ 18:28 NZDT: Report abusive post
Is there anyone else apart from the selectors think that Siti & Gear are not far better than that line up.After all they are wingers, the players selected are not.They had four years to get it right.Just hope there bungling doesn't cost us the cup again.
Marly said on 2011-09-07 @ 16:14 NZDT: Report abusive post
YES - I agree it would be best for SBW to use two arms.
AzzurriNZ said on 2011-09-07 @ 14:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
All Blacks have selected a good team for the Tongan clash. My read on back three. ABs still not certain who their top three are. They're giving Toeava and Kahui a crack on the wings. Dagg tested to see if he can repeat performance against Boks. Top three Dagg, Jane and Kahui. Go ABs.
Cann River Bob said on 2011-09-07 @ 14:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
My biggest fear is that this backline goes well and the Selectors get sucked in! This WC will be dominated by the kicking game - something the Tongans are not great at - so this will never be a real test of the AB defence, just a brusing battle which we should win comfortably no matter which XV we put on the park. As usual, guile not brawn will decide the outcome of the major games.