Sonny Bill Williams plays down his role with All Blacks
All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams has insisted that he still has a lot to learn before he can consider himself a proven New Zealand international.
The rugby league convert has made a sensational start to his All Blacks career. Williams won a man-of-the-match award on his debut in New Zealand’s 26-16 win over England at Twickenham, in the first round of games of the Autumn Internationals.
Since then, he has impressed in the All Blacks 49-3 demolish of Scotland and made a substitute appearance in the team’s hard-earned 38-18 win over Ireland.
The player will start the Test against Wales on Saturday 27 November in place of Ma’a Nonu, but Williams insists that he has to try and replicate the experienced centre. Speaking to reporters, Williams said, "I know I am not the finished article or the number
one number 12 in the country. Ma'a Nonu is, but they are given me time to find my feet," said Williams.
The All Black believes he is still learning his role in the team, but he admitted that he is more comfortable having started a couple of Tests. "I feel more confident now because I know the roles in the game-plan. When I know what's going on it gives me
more confidence to express myself. I know the boys now and there are no excuses,” he said.
A humble Williams suggested that he was starstruck by the calibre of players he was with when he started the tour, but that he has grown into the role. "It's been great to be on this tour. I think at the start of the first week I felt like an extra walking
around with the boys, I was still in awe of them because the All Blacks are such a big brand, but after getting to know them you realise they are normal guys and I am getting more comfortable as part of the squad."
Despite Williams playing down his role in the New Zealand team, Wales will be aware that he will be a serious threat come Saturday.
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