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Sonny Bill Williams nears return to action for Blues
Blues and All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams is on the brink of returning to action in Super Rugby after missing the last two months with a knee injury.
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Although he trained with the side on Wednesday, Williams won’t be available for the Blues’ must-win game against the Bulls at Eden Park on Saturday, but head coach Leon MacDonald is eyeing up a return for his squad’s vice-captain next week when they face the Reds in Brisbane.
“We’re trying to build his load back up, you can’t go from minimal to a lot very quickly, especially when you come back from an injury like that,” MacDonald said.
“So this week his load has increased to what would be a typical game week and if he can tolerate that, then he’ll be good to go next week.”
With Williams’ name absent from the Blues’ team sheet for this weekend’s clash, the 33-year-old may ave played his last home game for the franchise, as he is coming off-contract at the end of this season, while the Blues only have away games against the Reds and Hurricanes following their encounter with the Bulls.
Many are expecting Williams to either take up a contract with an overseas club, return to rugby league, resume his stagnant professional boxing career, or retire as an athlete entirely as he reaches the twilight of his career.
The Blues, meanwhile, are in desperate need of victory against the Bulls, with anything less than that likely spelling the end of their faint play-off hopes.
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Sitting in 13th spot with 26 points, the Blues are four points shy of the top eight, and will need to win all of their remaining matches to stay within touching distance of a play-offs spot, let alone actually qualify for a quarter-final.
While a place in the post-season is out of his side’s control, MacDonald is hopeful his side can deliver the results needed to challenge for a qualifying berth.
“It’s important for us to get back [to winning],” he said.
“We had a good performance here a couple of weeks ago against the Chiefs, but we didn’t put in a performance down south [against the Crusaders].
“It was pretty wet, it wasn’t a rainy day, but it was pretty dewy and a cold night. So I’m looking forward to being at home again.
“We understand the importance of the game and the consequences if we don’t get a result.
“This week we’ve been talking about learning to win the games when the pressure is on.
“This is a big chance for our leadership group to take over and prepare like it’s a final.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments