Sonny Bill Williams News + Progress in ITM Cup

[nickdnz]

Your the type of person who goes round and looks for small things that players do wrong and make a massive song and dance. He was good but not going to set the world alight with that performance. Also when you say ' I'm one of the few who even knows' smacks of pure arrogance. Let the man play. You aint given him a chance, now that's a fact for sure. Stop blaming him for the money also, the NZ board made that decision, can't blame him if the money was there to take. I bet all would do the same.

1.

I know it sounds premature but, if he can continue on with this sort of form then I think he has a good shot at an end of year tour spot

My point was he showed no reason or form that should make him an AB. I didn't say he was bad. I said he didn't show any thing to suggest he'll be better than any other 12 in the country. He had no moments of brilliance in this game. I'm not picking apart his game, I'm pointing out the brilliant off load in last nights game etc which have been raved about here in NZ (what? You wouldn't know, because your not in New Zealand?! ahh, makes sense now).

2.
I say that because it's true. On this forum, I doubt there is any SBW posters who have commented and watched him play in the Top 14. This is due to no Top 14 matches being shown on NZ television, except maybe twice a month on the costly Rugby Channel, and those matches shown on the rugby channel are usually the games of the week. Once again, you probably don't know this because your not speaking from a New Zealand perspective. If you asked most of the posters here, I'm sure they'll admit they haven't seen a full Toloun game with SBW. You have to go to the effort in download games in New Zealand, and not many people do, which is why there is such a small exposure to NH rugby in NZ, and it causes people to dismiss NH rugby. I don't appreciate being called arrogant thank you, and my point is well supported.

3. I've already said i don't begrudge him for taking the money, I blame the NZRU for offering it. I've stated that consistantly.

 

[woodward]

as if your not opinionated on this subject. Who cares about his salary, the fairness of it is not and should not be considered. Spending that on him was a bold move but in the scheme of things more than worth it. We should only be considering his potential and the chances of him reaching near it in reasonable time. Either way don't be such a grouch, adds shitloads of interest

 

[TRF_Cymro]

1.

My point was he showed no reason or form that should make him an AB. I didn't say he was bad. I said he didn't show any thing to suggest he'll be better than any other 12 in the country. He had no moments of brilliance in this game. I'm not picking apart his game, I'm pointing out the brilliant off load in last nights game etc which have been raved about here in NZ (what? You wouldn't know, because your not in New Zealand?! ahh, makes sense now).

2.
I say that because it's true. On this forum, I doubt there is any SBW posters who have commented and watched him play in the Top 14. This is due to no Top 14 matches being shown on NZ television, except maybe twice a month on the costly Rugby Channel, and those matches shown on the rugby channel are usually the games of the week. Once again, you probably don't know this because your not speaking from a New Zealand perspective. If you asked most of the posters here, I'm sure they'll admit they haven't seen a full Toloun game with SBW. You have to go to the effort in download games in New Zealand, and not many people do, which is why there is such a small exposure to NH rugby in NZ, and it causes people to dismiss NH rugby. I don't appreciate being called arrogant thank you, and my point is well supported.

3. I've already said i don't begrudge him for taking the money, I blame the NZRU for offering it. I've stated that consistantly.

Ye I understand that.

At the moment he is not the best 12 in NZ, but I think he will be up there with the rest for the No. 12 EOYT shirt place for NZ. Its the same over here, I have to download ITM games I want to watch also, so I only pick and choose the games I want to watch . SBW was good in Toloun and at times he looked out of sorts but he did look good when he got things sorted. I still think he will be the genuine real deal for the fans in NZ.

 

[nickdnz]

as if your not opinionated on this subject. Who cares about his salary, the fairness of it is not and should not be considered. Spending that on him was a bold move but in the scheme of things more than worth it. We should only be considering his potential and the chances of him reaching near it in reasonable time. Either way don't be such a grouch, adds shitloads of interest

Oh, I'm sorry.


Yay, Sonny Bill Williams! Thank you NZRU for saving NZ rugby.


Now, who else here as a differing opinion?

Ye I understand that.

At the moment he is not the best 12 in NZ, but I think he will be up there with the rest for the No. 12 EOYT shirt place for NZ. Its the same over here, I have to download ITM games I want to watch also, so I only pick and choose the games I want to watch . SBW was good in Toloun and at times he looked out of sorts but he did look good when he got things sorted. I still think he will be the genuine real deal for the fans in NZ.

I agree with almost all of that.

And in fairness, I guess if he isn't worth $550,000 as a player, he certainly is creating that in interest in how he goes (although I still don't like the message it sends).

 

[cardassian]

Just watched the Cant v Bop game.
Being a Kiwi living in the NH I have to dl games to watch them but I figured this one would be worth it as I wanted to see how SBW played.
I thought he had an ok game.
He wasn't outstanding but did offload well (I expect that coming from a league background) and made the trysaving tackle.
Will be interesting to see how he goes as he gets used to playing in the team.

 

[Shaggy]

Oh, I'm sorry.


Yay, Sonny Bill Williams! Thank you NZRU for saving NZ rugby.


Now, who else here as a differing opinion?



I agree with almost all of that.

And in fairness, I guess if he isn't worth $550,000 as a player, he certainly is creating that in interest in how he goes (although I still don't like the message it sends).

Ok, I am one of those Kiwis that haven't seen much of SBW's play, and really don't care if he's not selected for the AB's if he's not good enough, or even if he does get selected for the end of year tour on potential ... these types of players generally get tried and aren't seen again if they aren't up to scratch anyway

... just a couple of points.

1/ Spending that amount of money and not playing him/giving him an opportunity to push for All Black inclusion would truly be a waste of money ... the money's already spent, may as well see what he's got.

2/ He's played part of one game in the ITM, so it's too soon to say if he should be in or out based on so little game time.

3/ He doesn't have to be the number one player in the 12 jersey to make the ABs ... he can be second best and still make the squad.

4/ Nonu and McAlister have both made game losing mistakes in the AB no 12 jersey in the past ... Nonu is a much better player in the AB 12 jersey than he was even a year ago ... whose to say SBW (or who ever they pick as backup 12) won't improve that much too

 

[Darwin]

SBW will get his first start of the season on Saturday, versus Northland (http://www.voxy.co.nz/sport/canterbury-name-team/5/62390), with Crotty (who he replaced last week) is out injured. I'm sure he will be hoping he gets his hands on the ball a few more times this week.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Cool as nick I already know you and Sinn dont like SBW for good reasons. Good reply it makes a lot of good sense to me. Apologies for thinkin you were angry when you wernt, I can only imagime that to be annoying. Alright man, I understand you clearly. Ta.

A late call perhaps, but is that a reference to me? I go by Feic by short for further refernce

I don't really mind if SBW does well btw, but I think his attitude stinks and alot of unwarrented hype has been generated around him.

 

[T-Rex]

Nickdnz, I think you're being a bit of a hypocrite with your comments throughout this thread. You tell those giving Sonny props to look at him with a cold eye etc, but I think you are the exact opposite to those hyping him up and looking at every move closely in the fact that you seem bent on putting SBW down instead of giving credit where it is due. Stop assuming I am bias towards him because of the hype and all. Like I've said, I am a Dogs fan, and I was ****** when SBW packed up and left mid-season when we were getting whipped every week with average Joe's like Fred Briggs in the squad at times. Maybe his attitude is poor, but I am judging on his performance, so drop the attitude argument for now and read the post for what it is instead of letting your little personal problem with him get in the way.

It also annoyed me that you took one piece of a much larger post of mine to try and make a point, that part being where I said if he can continue his strong start throughout the season then he has a good shot at an EOYT spot. Had you taken note of the rest of the point, you would have seen that i noted that next year is a World Cup year, so if SBW has any chance of being there, which I think he does considering how hard Henry tried to get him over here, then this would be the best opportunity to take him along, and a continuation from his strong start would warrant being in contention. I also noted that there is no definite 12 behind Nonu at the moment and that would mean there is an opening in the squad for him (SBW).

 

[Amobokoboko]

Yes, yes really looking forward to see this game

 

[T-Rex]

Also, Sonny Bill will start at 12 this weekend against Northland.

 

[nickdnz]

Nickdnz, I think you're being a bit of a hypocrite with your comments throughout this thread. You tell those giving Sonny props to look at him with a cold eye etc, but I think you are the exact opposite to those hyping him up and looking at every move closely in the fact that you seem bent on putting SBW down instead of giving credit where it is due. Stop assuming I am bias towards him because of the hype and all. Like I've said, I am a Dogs fan, and I was ****** when SBW packed up and left mid-season when we were getting whipped every week with average Joe's like Fred Briggs in the squad at times. Maybe his attitude is poor, but I am judging on his performance, so drop the attitude argument for now and read the post for what it is instead of letting your little personal problem with him get in the way.

It also annoyed me that you took one piece of a much larger post of mine to try and make a point, that part being where I said if he can continue his strong start throughout the season then he has a good shot at an EOYT spot. Had you taken note of the rest of the point, you would have seen that i noted that next year is a World Cup year, so if SBW has any chance of being there, which I think he does considering how hard Henry tried to get him over here, then this would be the best opportunity to take him along, and a continuation from his strong start would warrant being in contention. I also noted that there is no definite 12 behind Nonu at the moment and that would mean there is an opening in the squad for him (SBW).

Ahhh, thanks for that. You may want to read my other posts, as I conceded he's at least earned his money in interest. Remember, it's not all about you, I just used that portion of your quote as it reflects several people's attitudes. I haven't been picking holes in everything he's done, I've just stated I don't think he can be judged at all on his previous match, positivly or otherwise, and any confirmed confidence in him, based on that performance, I think is misplaced.

and a continuation from his strong start would warrant being in contention

Once again, this is the point I disagree with. It was not a performance that anyother 12 in New Zealand would be recognized for.

Please do not tell me to "drop my personal problem with him". I don't know they guy, I just don't think he's right for NZ rugby. If you want to discuss this further, please PM me.
On a slightly different note, may you please change your user name, it can and likely will cause arguments. I'm not really offended, but there are people pout there who will be.

 

[T-Rex]

Ahhh, thanks for that. I just saw my name and started reading, but I got bored half way. Remember, it's not all about you, I just used that portion of your quote as it reflects several people's attitudes. I haven't been picking holes in everything he's done, I've just stated I don't think he can be judged at all on his previous match, positivly or otherwise, and any confirmed confidence in him, based on that performance, I think is misplaced.


Once again, this is the point I disagree with. It was not a performance that anyother 12 in New Zealand would be recognized for.

Please do not tell me to "drop my personal problem with him". I don't know they guy, I just don't think he's right for NZ rugby. If you want to discuss this further, please PM me.
On a slightly different note, may you please change your user name, it can and likely will cause arguments. I'm not really offended, but there are people pout there who will be.

Yeah, but if you pick out small parts of a larger post it can create a completely different point, and that's what it did. I'm not saying it's all about myself, but if you are going to nitpick small segments of a much larger post of mine, then don't expect me not to respond to point that out, which you've done again there. Like I said, my main comment was on that particular performance, not his attitude, not past performances, that one.

 

[nickdnz]

Yeah, but if you pick out small parts of a larger post it can create a completely different point, and that's what it did. I'm not saying it's all about myself, but if you are going to nitpick small segments of a much larger post of mine, then don't expect me not to respond to point that out, which you've done again there. Like I said, my main comment was on that particular performance, not his attitude, not past performances, that one.

I know, and I'm disagreeing that his performance was a promising start at all. It was ordinary at best. If you don't want me to pick sentences you have said, then don't say them. I thought I referenced them in the context you meant. Regardless, my last post on this was two days ago, why start this up again. My opinion won't change and I've given reasons why I don't think his performance was impressive, while I've yet to read a good reason why it showed promise, short of a forward pass and a try saving tackle (which was alright). I've made no references to his attitude in a while, but my view still hasn't changed. I have conceded that he was good to get the amount of money he has got, but I have said I think the NZRU perhaps made a poor decision. Either way, if he's a great footballer (and I don't mean the kind of performances he had last Saturday) whom sticks around after the 2012, I will happily retract my statements.

 

[T-Rex]

Well I think it was, so I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.

Also, in regards to my username, I have said to Sam Owen that I will gladly change it if I am told how to, not really sure how things work around here in that respect.

 

[Haysie]

Well I think it was, so I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.

Also, in regards to my username, I have said to Sam Owen that I will gladly change it if I am told how to, not really sure how things work around here in that respect.

Ok;

Firstly, I've always wondered... how much did the nails hurt?

Secondly, I know you have forgiven everyone, but really... Judas? That guy was an ass. You must have a special sort of "forgiveness" for him, yes?


Lastly if you change your name please make it either Mohammed, Vishnu or Buddha.
Better yet, Pope Benedict.


OH! And also, seeing as rugby is the game played in heaven, are you a forward or a back.


Sincerely;
Bill

 

[TRF_Olyy]

OH! And also, seeing as rugby is the game played in heaven, are you a forward or a back.

Do you now have the Jesus Saves song round your way? It should clear up any confusion
http://rugby.uchicago.edu/jesus.html

 

[TyphoonsRugby]

The version I learnt was he's a back and cant catch cuz of the holes in his hands....

 

[Iron Mike]

On a slightly different note, may you please change your user name, it can and likely will cause arguments.

Do not tell my messiah what to do! Slanderous behaviour, you mortal!

 

[Shaggy]

Looks like from the article below, someone at the NZ Herald thinks SBW has done enough to be included in the AB's end of year tour

Northland 23
Canterbury 27


Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images
With an outrageous backflip pass, Sonny Bill Williams did enough to earn an All Black call-up for the end-of-year tour - if that was ever in doubt.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of considerable debate in rugby circles since his arrival here from playing in France. There were many disciples but perhaps just as many who wondered if he could live up to the hype.

He will.

With his first three touches in his first ITM Cup start yesterday, he set up two Canterbury tries and threatened to open the game up with the other. His second offload that gifted lock Luke Romano a try was one to remember.

He received the ball about 12m out, attacked the line and then somehow pulled off an extraordinary backflip despite the attention of two defenders.

In that moment, he might have convinced a few more naysayers. He then followed it up less than 10 minutes later with an incisive run and perfectly-timed pass for Isaac Ross to score.


Williams has shown he can play in just two provincial games in New Zealand. His core skills are good and his unpredictability is an asset to any side. He can offload, fend and scythe through a gap, plus he can draw defenders and create space.

Of course, it will be much tougher at international level. But the All Blacks selectors must take him on the end-of-year tour. They need to discover what he is capable of and see how he fits in the All Blacks' game plan.

There are aspects of his game that need ironing out, like knowing when to take the ball to ground when the offload isn't on, but his creativity can't be quelled too much. The NZRU brought him back for a reason and that was to provide something different.

Williams' likely selection might scupper any hopes for Robbie Fruean. The Canterbury centre is being overshadowed by the hype around Williams, but he has been one of the form players of the ITM Cup and yesterday added another try to his burgeoning tally.

Messrs Henry and co would do worse than to take the strong-running centre with them to the northern hemisphere but it is becoming an increasingly congested midfield, especially with Isaia Toeava set to return from injury. Fruean might be battling Richard Kahui for a final spot on tour, and Kahui is something of a favourite for his utility value.

Fruean scored the first try of an entertaining match yesterday, when he collected Williams' first offload and scampered to the line in the sixth minute.

Canterbury were excellent in patches, but so were Northland and the home side trailed just 21-16 at halftime despite Williams' exploits.

They didn't panic, stuck to their own game plan and kept plugging away at the two-time defending champions, even when they were a man down for 10 minutes early in the second half. They upset Southland last weekend and aren't overawed by the big sides any more, and have earned many admirers for their enterprising style.

They had the momentum when Cameron Eyre scored to narrow the gap to 24-23 with 15 minutes remaining but Canterbury absorbed the pressure, added a Stephen Brett dropped goal and hung on to prevail in a gripping match.

The result was almost immaterial. Instead, the game will be remembered for the day Sonny Bill Williams arrived.