All Blacks’ Ali Williams to play for Blues
All Blacks superstar Ali Williams played almost a full match for RFU championship team Nottingham. Nottingham gave an impressive performance and thrashed Rotherham at Meadow Lane by 37-8. It was final and fourth game All Blacks lock played for Nottingham’s
green and white side. It turned out to be a successful venture for both the club and the player.
Nottingham has undisputedly won 6 straight league fixtures on the run and have upgraded their position to fifth place on the tournament’s table. On the other side, Nottingham wants the player to stay and play more for the club. The high profile All Black
lock has been requested to remain for the coming away match on Saturday against second placed tough team, Bedford. It will be for first time Nottingham will be playing any of the top four teams in this series.
The tenure of Ali Williams and Nottingham means a lot for Ali Williams, as it has justified his return to rugby after being sidelined for two years because of Achilles injuries. He will be joining Blues prior to their upcoming campaign, the Investec Super
Rugby 2011.
The 29 point victory against Rotherham at Meadow Lane was powered by skilful play of Ali Williams, as he edged Nottingham out of a tight encounter in first half hour. After the first half everyone chipped in from their side and Nottingham saw Ben Buxton,
Andy Johnson, Don Blake and Ben Johnston all crossing the touchline to confirm the bonus point.
It was because of Ali Williams that the club match was broadcasted live and he proved it why was it so. After the match he said, “There was a great atmosphere and everyone had a lot of energy to make it a great spectacle, it was brilliant.”
It surely was not an easy challenger, as Titans had a decent track record in this series after beating London Welsh and Cornish Pirates, who are the top four sides. But the skill and the demonstration of command over ball given by Ali Williams made the difference
and he assisted almost in every other try.
Ali Williams is expected to appear for Blues against Highlanders this Saturday in Balclutha. Although, he will affirm that with the exemption of Brad Mika, it will be selection from full reliant players for Pat Lam the coach.
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