All Blacks dismiss Sonny Bill rumours

Sun, Sep 15, 2019, 12:39 PM
AFP
by AFP
New Zealand have dismissed suggestions that Sonny Bill Williams is injured. Photo: Getty Images
New Zealand have dismissed suggestions that Sonny Bill Williams is injured. Photo: Getty Images

New Zealand's assistant coach on Sunday quashed rumours that star centre Sonny Bill Williams had suffered a World Cup-threatening injury, declaring him fit for selection for the All Blacks' crunch opener against South Africa.

Social media in New Zealand has been abuzz with reports that Williams was heading home, which would have been the second injury blow for the defending champions after losing flanker Luke Jacobson.

But Ian Foster denied the reports.

"Is he going home? No. Is he available for selection based on his progression last week, then I think the answer is yes. He's trained really well," he said.

The All Blacks has rubbished talk that Sonny Bill Williams is injured. Photo: Getty ImagesFoster stressed that no one had been called up from New Zealand because "there are no people needed".

He insisted that nothing but victory was acceptable in New Zealand's marquee Pool B match against the Springboks.

"It doesn't mean you've finished if you don't get the result, of course it doesn't. It's a tournament. But that's not the way we're thinking," Foster told reporters.

"We're thinking this is an outstanding opportunity to go out there and test ourselves straightaway in this championship."

Meanwhile, playmaker Beauden Barrett revealed the All Blacks had been focusing on playing with a wet ball in training, as torrential rain is forecast at the weekend when the key games get under way.

He said he expects to get pelted with high balls if he plays at fullback and has been preparing intensively.

The All Blacks star said he was equally happy to occupy the fullback or fly half position and was relishing the higher profile he now enjoys in world rugby.

Barrett's role was mainly confined to an impact sub utility back at the last World Cup and he hopes to take on more responsibility this time.

"Four years later, I'm older, more experienced, with a little bit more responsibility on my shoulders," said the 28-year-old. "It's a challenge I really enjoy."

 

Share
Wallaby great Gary Ella has found a blossoming rugby community since moving to Lake Macquarie (Source: Getty)
Back from the brink: how Gary Ella fell in love with the Lake Macquarie and Hunter rugby community
Vincent Tshituka makes his official debut for South Africa. Photo: Getty Images
Congo-born Tshituka to make Test debut as Springboks change five
British & Irish Lions Tour 2025: How to Watch, Fixtures, Teams, Schedule and more
'Biggest game of my career': Philip relishing long-awaited homecoming to 'favourite team' Waratahs