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Sonny Bill Williams Must Prove Himself Before Being an All Black Again
Published: June 30, 2014
A recent report by Gregor Paul of the New Zealand Herald suggested that he is in consideration for selection for the end-of-year tour, as the midfield back is set to return to Rugby Union later in the year. This is clearly not a done deal though, as All Blacks coach Steve Hansen still appears unsure as to whether picking the superstar would be the right move.
Ultimately there should be no reservations regarding Williams’ selection as long as he has proven himself capable of playing the game once more.
Having signed with Counties Manukau for the ITM Cup, he will have a chance to make a case prior to the squad’s announcement. However, one must question whether this is adequate preparation for a man who has not played the game for two years.
It would certainly seem more prudent to let him find his feet once again in the ITM Cup without the added pressure. This would give him the summer to evaluate his game, then the chance to return to the All Blacks if his Super Rugby performances warrant it next year.
There is, after all, no guarantee he will be an instant superstar upon his return. Having played with National Rugby League’s Sydney Roosters for the past two seasons, he has shown that his skill and athletic levels remain high. His offload is as good as ever, as is his ability to hit gaps, and he remains a strong ball-carrier.
However, the two games are not directly transferable, and the tactics and decision-making processes are vastly different. He will need to readjust to the mentality required for Rugby Union, notably by being able to recognize when to offload and when not to, something it took him time to learn last time. He will also have to fit back into the defensive patterns of Rugby Union, which could take some time.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
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