Ali Williams named in Blues squad for game against Crusaders – Super Rugby news
Ali Williams, the All Blacks star and lock, will be playing his first Super 15 fixture after a break of two years from Super Rugby.
He has been named in Blues squad for Vodacom Super Rugby match against Crusaders on Saturday in Auckland.
According to official all Blacks sources, the 29-year-old superstar Ali Williams has been sidelined for the past two seasons due to an Achilles injury and was recovering from them since then.
He started with Nottingham the English club and then went on with two preseason warm up matches with his new club Blues. He has played 61 tests for All Blacks and has made return from longest spell of break in his entire career.
Pat Lam the Blues’ coach admitted that Ali Williams was up for Blues in May 2009 for his first ever Super Rugby match but injuries took over.
He added, “Otherwise I wouldn't put him there.”
Lam also said that he talked to the All Black lock and he seems pretty satisfied with how the things have been working out.
Lam said, “He's excited, he's fit and keen to get involved.”
Pat Lam has chosen the utility back for All Black, Isaia Toeava as a fullback. Toeava will be playing his half century game for the Blues and it is for the first time he has been given this position in a club game. Meanwhile, Jared Payne the Northampton
skipper has been switched from his traditional fullback position to center. This is his first appearance for Blues after being transferred from Crusaders.
Inclusion of Ali Williams is a sign of hope for Blues, as Crusaders is a strong side with seven All Blacks playing in the starting line, including Richie McCaw and Sonny Bill Williams. The match on Friday will be a tough call for both sides, but it is for
sure that Blues have to work very hard to make a mark in this one.
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