'If there was to be a RWC tomorrow, I'd still back our boys to win it': Sonny Bill

Sonny Bill Williams believes the All Blacks are still in a great position to win the Webb Ellis Cup back from South Africa, despite parting company with Scott Robertson 20 months out from the next Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The 58-cap former centre, who was a member of the triumphant 2011 and 2015 All Blacks teams, took to Instagram to give his ‘two cents’ on what New Zealand rugby needs to do from here to get back on track.

Williams offered up several names as potential head coach successors to Scott Robertson, who lost the dressing room and then his job, despite having nearly two years of his NZRU contract as head coach left to run.

“My two cents? Exactly the same as when I left the game and I came out and I said, we need some more flavour within the coaching group, NZRU board members. I know that rubbed up a few people and I know that will rub up a few people right now, but that is my honest opinion,” he said.

“Why? Because I am a big believer in, in order to correct, you must first connect. These players at this level knoow how to play rugby, they know how to kick the ball, they knock how to tackle, they know how to pass. But what got the best out of me, and a lot of the players I know, was believing in the system, believing in the coaches, wanting to go out there and go to hospital, almost, run through a brick wall, so that’s what we need.

“The other thing that is happening right now is that other teams have just gotten better, and that’s just how it is. But tomorrow, if there was to be a Rugby World Cup, I’d still back our boys to win it; we just need to get this part right.

“Options moving forward – there’s many, man. There’s so many out there – Jamie Jospeh, Dave Rennie, we’ve got Tony Brown overseas, bring that brother back, we’ve got Tana Umaga,” he added.

“Like you guys, I don’t have all the answers but this is just my honest thoughts and opinions. But I think we need a coaching group that knows how to connect before correcting because these players know how to play and we have the squad.”

 

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As well as a new head coach, 45-year-old Williams believes the All Blacks’ outstanding player, Ardie Savea, should get the captain’s armband from Scott Barrett.

“I love Scott Barrett, he’s one of the best players in the world. But I just think we need to give Ardie the captaincy, he’s our guy moving forward, just because of the amount he brings; he’s got the runs on the board. Look at what he’s done to Moane this year.”