Graham Henry ignores Sonny Bill Williams for big final of Tri Nations against Wallabies- Rugby
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has axed his player, Sonny Bill Williams, from his 22-member squad to play the final of the Tri Nations Cup against Wallabies on August 27, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Henry revealed his final crew for the tournament decider
on August 25 and made the decision of giving no role to the ex-Rugby League player for the first in his test career.
Talking to the media, Henry said that it’s a big challenge for Williams to retain his position in the All Blacks side in the presence of Ma’a Nonu, the best inside centre of the world. Sonny Bill Williams, who can seal his berth on number 12 in any side
of the world, is struggling to find his place in the All Blacks side. Veteran Ma’a Nonu has remained impressive with his performance in the ongoing tournament and has won the confidence of the selectors for inside-centre’s postion in the All Blacks mix.
Williams was provided with a big opportunity before the final test of Tri Nations Cup, against the Springboks on August 20, but he looked off colour with his rusty game. The Boks booked the All Blacks by 18-5 to clinch the first victory of this year after
receiving huge defeats in their previous three outings.
Deciding the fate of Sonny Bill Williams for their upcoming clash against the Wallabies, Henry said that, “Sonny Bill's challenge is, I think, he's competing against the best No.12 in the world and that's great. Quite frankly it's a different experience
for Sonny Bill. He's always been, and rightly so, the top person in that position in the teams he's played in, whether it be rugby league or rugby union.”
Henry further said that All Blacks will be required to put in a big effort to overcome the Wallabies after a stunning defeat by the Boks. He added that, “Australia are a dangerous team to play and they will be looking to bounce back from the loss against
us in Auckland, so we will have to play at our very best. It's going to be a massive test match.”
The final of Tri Nations Cup 2011 will be played between All Blacks and Wallabies on August 27, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
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