Sonny Bill Williams to stick with rugby until the end of 2011 Rugby World Cup
All Blacks and Crusaders star player, Sonny Bill Williams, who won his fourth consecutive boxing fight yesterday, June 5, is set to consolidate on his rugby career until the end of forthcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). The dual-sport star punched out his
opponent, Tongan Alipate Liava'a, in Auckland and said after the fight that now he will focus only on rugby.
Sonny Bill Williams, who is still unbeaten in the boxing ring, is under immense criticism from his opponents for his selection in RWC 2011. The star has to compete with his team-mate Ma’aa Nonu, for inclusion in the final squad.
Williams has not done anything remarkable in the so far played Super Rugby matches. He made his Super Rugby debut this year for the Crusaders and could not deliver in their previous pressure game against the Queensland Reds. Williams has also played four
test matches for All Blacks and has not scored any points for his team.
Graham Henry, the All Blacks coach, who was also there at Trusts Stadium to support Bill Williams during his boxing clash, told reporters after the it was nice to see him moving swiftly in the arena and produce an easy victory over Tongan Alipate. Graham
further said that, "He kept moving. He didn't get touched often, which is great. I think he's feeling good about himself and he's pleased it's over so he can concentrate on other things. If it was Richie McCaw, or Dan Carter, or whoever it might be, we would
be here to support him."
Meanwhile, Sonny Bill Williams told the media today on June 6, that he was happy with his victory but wanted to focus on rugby now. Furthermore, his contract with the All Blacks allows him to take three fights in a year and he has already fought those three.
He further said, "It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Probably at some stages, I didn't want to go out there. I just want to knuckle down and concentrate back on the Crusaders and hopefully get that call-up."
Williams will play his next Super Rugby game for the Crusaders on June 11 against the Blues.
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