All Blacks 'probably' still one of the biggest names in rugby

Max Llewellyn has singled out New Zealand great Sonny Bill Williams as his major rugby influence as Wales prepare to face the All Blacks.

Williams was a two-time World Cup winner in 2011 and 2015 after representing New Zealand in rugby league before switching codes.

Gloucester centre Llewellyn said: “Sonny Bill was probably someone I really enjoyed watching.

“Growing up, I was a centre, he was a centre. We were similar frames, and I really enjoyed what he did in terms of bringing the offload into rugby and changing the game a bit.

“That was something I looked at and wanted to emulate.”

Wales are again cast in the role of major underdogs in Cardiff on Saturday with New Zealand expected to maintain their dominance in the fixture in the Nations Championship.

New Zealand have recorded 34 straight wins over Wales since losing in 1953 and Llewellyn – whose lock forward father Gareth won 92 caps between 1989 and 2004 – played in the 52-26 home defeat to the All Blacks 12 months ago.

“Growing up as a kid, it was definitely something I used to love (watching New Zealand), the Rugby Championship and stuff like that,” said Llewellyn.

“They’re probably still one of the biggest names in rugby. They’ve gone through a big rebuild, but definitely come out on the other side looking pretty strong again.

“They’ve still got a lot of talent all around the pitch. They’re really well structured and well organised, and that’s been the thing all the way throughout their history.

“It’s obviously a good occasion, but for us, you just put that to one side and crack on with your job.”

Llewellyn can actually count himself as one of the few Welshmen who have been on a winning side against a New Zealand team.

The 27-year-old was at outside centre when Wales beat New Zealand 8-7 in the 2019 World Under-20 Championship in Argentina.

“It does seem a long time ago – the years just seem to fly by,” said Llewellyn, who is set to line up at inside centre on Saturday with Eddie James outside him.

“It was a strange old game because just before half-time there were thunderstorms, and the game was postponed for 30 minutes before we came back out.

“But that’s still a good memory, actually, when I think back on it.”

Wales opened their autumn campaign by edging past Japan 28-21, making it two wins and two defeats in the Nations Championship so far.

They are currently fifth in the northern hemisphere standings, with Australia the final autumn visitors to Cardiff on November 21 before finals weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Llewellyn said: “It’s always nice coming off a win and the mood’s obviously a lot different to a loss.

“We probably haven’t been too consistent in our performances, whether it be the Six Nations or in the summer.

“So it’s just making sure it doesn’t matter who the opponents are, that we need to make sure we’re consistent in that.

“That’s obviously what we’re building towards, and I think we’re going in a good direction.”