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SBW in the frame for third test after being rated 'no chance'

By Online Editors
Sonny Bill Williams could play his first test of 2018

SBW is poised to make a shock return to the All Blacks for the third test against France, despite being considered ‘no chance’ to play in the series following minor knee surgery.

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If he can pass a fitness test at Tuesday’s training he will most likely lineup in the All Blacks midfield for the Dunedin test, to the dismay of his wife who had planned a holiday break.

“She was a little bit upset, really upset actually. My wife loves me,” Williams said.

“I was surprised – I thought I wouldn’t be playing, probably, for four to six weeks. And then it all happened quickly.

“I was in holiday-mode. I went and caught-up for a jigsaw which is a meeting with the coaching and medical staff, trainers and what not. I literally sat down and the doctor talked and said it (the surgery) was a success. Actually a lot better than expected.”

With the doctors blessing, Williams explained the call came down to the All Blacks coaches.

“The coach turned to the doctor and said ‘well, is he a chance of playing in the third test, or being available for selection?’ And the doc said ‘yeah, but he has to come into camp’.

“So he looked at me and said ‘you’re in camp’.”

Williams will join the side for this week’s preparation and if picked will play his first test match of the year following a disrupted year with the Blues where he spent eight weeks on the sidelines with a broken wrist. He might be short on match fitness but Williams is confident he can step up to the required level.

“Those types of things are what I am going to have to deal with if I do get selected.

 “But what’s the worst that can happen? Probably last year’s Bledisloe is the worst thing that can happen after I dropped the first three balls. But I’m still here and still smiling and still keen to give it a go.

“I’m just keen to get out there and if I do and that’s starting or off the bench or whatever, I’m going to have a crack, bro.”

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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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