Sonny Bill Williams News + Progress in ITM Cup

[Charles]

Wow. I know that Woodward is picking fights with people and needs to be warned to tone it down, maybe banned soon if he can't be a little less aggravating.

It's just this post seems very angry at our New Zealand members in general. I'm sure that was never the intent, but it just felt a little that way. I'm not sure how I'd go saying anything that mirrored this in a Guinness Premiership or Heineken Cup thread.


To be honest, I'm not even going to say anything back. I'm just genuinely surprised.

Oh well, maybe we can all just move on and speak more of the legitimate issues here. How the ITM Cup is going? When will SBW score a try? Those kind of things.

He scored a try in his first game in T14...

 

[TRF C A Iversen]

He scored a try in his first game in T14...

Sorry Charles, I was meaning in the ITM Cup. I think I remember seeing that one televised on our sports news over here. Didn't look like an absolute amazing one, but a decent effort nonetheless for a guy new to the game at the time.

I'm hoping that the step-up from his first week in the ITM Cup to the second will be the same improvement we see in the third round. Still, I'm not amazingly fussed by the guy as yet really, although New Zealand does need some more depth in 2nd five or even centre so it couldn't hurt if he did come good.

 

[Shaggy]

Ranger - The precious comment wasn't aimed at you so much as certain others:

For those of us big enough to not actually give a ****, race or ethnicity doesn't matter. When I'm told that SBW is a Samoan, in my mind that must mean he's a Samoan. Apparently though, that's a bit like calling an American "Irish".

The point I'm making however is stop picking fight with everyone, because next time it happens, WOODWARD, I will ban you so quickly you won't have time to finish the rant you're typing.

To hopefully pour a it of cold water on the race/ethnicity/eligibility issue:

He was born and raised in NZ, making him a New Zealander, and eligible for the All Blacks.

His parents are Samoan, and so yes he's of Samoan decent, and is therefore eligible for Samoa as well.

He is also eligible for the Wallabies, due to the time he spent in Australia.

I think if you asked SBW, he'd consider himself both a New Zealander AND a Samoan (I base this assumption on the fact that I have many friends of Samoan decent who consider themselves both)

Anyway, Bullitt's original point is that SBW is similar to Cipriani in terms of attitude towards the clubs he plays for, I think ... I guess time will tell how good he is, how loyal he is, and how great his work ethic is.

I guess his eligibility does have some relevance in the sense that he could have stayed in France earning more money, and still have got selected for Samoa for the RWC

 

[gingergenius]

ranger, you can't disagree with bullitt ever without being called precious/ biased/ thick/ communist/ filthy southerner. it's part of the forum.

Anyhoo, SBW has in fairness sacrificed a big money offer from the Top14 for a chance to play back home and potentiall play for his country. Now if you're comparing him with the Weepus and Cuetos of this world, then his record on loyalty isn't tip top.

But what moving to Canterbury does show is the fact that he is a very ambitious and driven professional, keen to achieve as much as he can out of union. Henson can't be arsed to play for the Ospreys. Cipriani ****** off so many people in England that he's running away to Australia to reestablish his reputation. Caucaunibuca went to a 2nd division French team and couln't even be bothered to play properly for them.

So, so far, I don't see how SBW can be compared to other supremely talented wastemen. He's played well in a Toulon side that reached the playoffs of the Top 14, and he's gone to NZ and played well in a couple of ITM Cup games. And since his switch to Union, there's been no end of hype, but not very much controversy at all surrounding him. So let's give him a break, let him get on with making his name in NZ, and see what he's like come Super Rugby. Because I don't see how Henry can justify elevating someone to test match level based on performances in the ITM, especially when there are so many other good Kiwi backs milling around.

 

[TRF C A Iversen]

ranger, you can't disagree with bullitt ever without being called precious/ biased/ thick/ communist/ filthy southerner. it's part of the forum.

Anyhoo, SBW has in fairness sacrificed a big money offer from the Top14 for a chance to play back home and potentiall play for his country. Now if you're comparing him with the Weepus and Cuetos of this world, then his record on loyalty isn't tip top.

But what moving to Canterbury does show is the fact that he is a very ambitious and driven professional, keen to achieve as much as he can out of union. Henson can't be arsed to play for the Ospreys. Cipriani ****** off so many people in England that he's running away to Australia to reestablish his reputation. Caucaunibuca went to a 2nd division French team and couln't even be bothered to play properly for them.

So, so far, I don't see how SBW can be compared to other supremely talented wastemen. He's played well in a Toulon side that reached the playoffs of the Top 14, and he's gone to NZ and played well in a couple of ITM Cup games. And since his switch to Union, there's been no end of hype, but not very much controversy at all surrounding him. So let's give him a break, let him get on with making his name in NZ, and see what he's like come Super Rugby. Because I don't see how Henry can justify elevating someone to test match level based on performances in the ITM, especially when there are so many other good Kiwi backs milling around.

Fairly good assessment of the SBW situation.

 

[Charles]

ranger, you can't disagree with bullitt ever without being called precious/ biased/ thick/ communist/ filthy southerner. it's part of the forum.

Anyhoo, SBW has in fairness sacrificed a big money offer from the Top14 for a chance to play back home and potentiall play for his country. Now if you're comparing him with the Weepus and Cuetos of this world, then his record on loyalty isn't tip top.

But what moving to Canterbury does show is the fact that he is a very ambitious and driven professional, keen to achieve as much as he can out of union. Henson can't be arsed to play for the Ospreys. Cipriani ****** off so many people in England that he's running away to Australia to reestablish his reputation. Caucaunibuca went to a 2nd division French team and couln't even be bothered to play properly for them.

So, so far, I don't see how SBW can be compared to other supremely talented wastemen. He's played well in a Toulon side that reached the playoffs of the Top 14, and he's gone to NZ and played well in a couple of ITM Cup games. And since his switch to Union, there's been no end of hype, but not very much controversy at all surrounding him. So let's give him a break, let him get on with making his name in NZ, and see what he's like come Super Rugby. Because I don't see how Henry can justify elevating someone to test match level based on performances in the ITM, especially when there are so many other good Kiwi backs milling around.

Good post GG.

 

[Sam Owen]

ranger, you can't disagree with bullitt ever without being called precious/ biased/ thick/ communist/ filthy southerner. it's part of the forum.

Anyhoo, SBW has in fairness sacrificed a big money offer from the Top14 for a chance to play back home and potentiall play for his country. Now if you're comparing him with the Weepus and Cuetos of this world, then his record on loyalty isn't tip top.

But what moving to Canterbury does show is the fact that he is a very ambitious and driven professional, keen to achieve as much as he can out of union. Henson can't be arsed to play for the Ospreys. Cipriani ****** off so many people in England that he's running away to Australia to reestablish his reputation. Caucaunibuca went to a 2nd division French team and couln't even be bothered to play properly for them.

So, so far, I don't see how SBW can be compared to other supremely talented wastemen. He's played well in a Toulon side that reached the playoffs of the Top 14, and he's gone to NZ and played well in a couple of ITM Cup games. And since his switch to Union, there's been no end of hype, but not very much controversy at all surrounding him. So let's give him a break, let him get on with making his name in NZ, and see what he's like come Super Rugby. Because I don't see how Henry can justify elevating someone to test match level based on performances in the ITM, especially when there are so many other good Kiwi backs milling around.

Nice.

 

[Dizzy]

look here all you northern hemispherians.... What is your problem with Sonny Bill?.. It seems as if he's done something personal to you guys or something. So what some people think he's having a good ITM cup so far... that is their right. Just because you guys dislike the guy doesn't mean you have to bash anyone who says anything good about him, and now, I hope he plays against your countries in the end of year tour and absolutely hammers your chosen centres.

 

[Darwin]

SBW will start again this week against Taranaki (Saturday 2.35pm NZT). The match-up between SBW and Hayward (at 12 for Taranaki) will be interesting - Hayward and Ripia (at 10) are not a strong defenders, so SBW will look to take it up and break the line. On defense it will be interesting to see how SBW goes against Hayward. Hayward has a very good step - from what I've seen SBW looks good defensively when players run straight at him, marking a more elusive player such as Hayward will be a good test for him.

 

[woodward]

He's not Maori, he's from Samoan descent.

Just so theres no doubt that no one called him Samoan

 

[woodward]

I don't see how Henry can justify elevating someone to test match level based on performances in the ITM, especially when there are so many other good Kiwi backs milling around.

Henry selected based on the ITM for the game last weekend

 

[HarryPeters]

It's all he has really got to on for at the moment. If we had the Junior AB's playing then that would be a great indicator, but at the moment the ITM Cup is the only way he can judge.

 

[markshaw]

a lot of people arn't prepared to give him credit as a player because they worry hes gona let them down and make them look foolish for building him up. but i think its fair to say hes becoming one of the best centres in the world. with better players inside and outside him he is gonna tear up the northern hemisphere at the end of the year. i mean, flutey v williams..no hope for flutey.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

but i think its fair to say hes becoming one of the best centres in the world

Whaaaaaaaaaat?

Also, why aren't people allowed to have differing opinions?
Some people think he's amazing, some don't. That's the way the world works!

 

[TRF C A Iversen]

Whaaaaaaaaaat?

Also, why aren't people allowed to have differing opinions?
Some people think he's amazing, some don't. That's the way the world works!

I totally agree that he is not becoming on of the best centres in the world. For start-off he's playing 2nd five-eighth. Secondly, he hasn't done enough as yet to be labelled that.

On the other hand, markshaw was just expressing his opinion. I don't think he said people aren't allowed to have a different one.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

On the other hand, markshaw was just expressing his opinion. I don't think he said people aren't allowed to have a different one.

I meant Dizzy on the previous page,
SH positioning still takes me a few seconds to work out (halfbacks and 5/8ths etc.)

 

[Dizzy]

Whaaaaaaaaaat?

Also, why aren't people allowed to have differing opinions?
Some people think he's amazing, some don't. That's the way the world works!

That was exactly my point, people are allowed to have differing opinions but can we not leave it at that?.
We always end up argueing on here, and it's because of our opinions.
But whenever SBW is brought up, no matter who thinks he is a good player, they will be shut down every time.

 

[nickdnz]

Haven't seen enough flaws in his game to stick with criticising his rugby skills?

Actually, I'd bet a fair amount I've seen more of SBW than you have. I doubt you've watched a full Toloun game in your life. As it is, I was making a comparison with NH players who have plenty of talent, but not enough dedication to a sport, and I stand behind it...

Bullit's already mentioned it, but I'd try and be a little less argumentitive, as your value on the forum is not irreplaceable.

 

[Haysie]

Ok, it's gotta stop. Everyone, please, grow a sack and stop arguing with one another. There's a fine line between friendly banter (such as the trans-tasman ****le that Cook and I have been enjoying) and seriously offending another member, and it was crossed a long time ago. It's not impressing anyone, particularly the HB staff who have decided to place their faith in us to represent the game and their own studio. I'm dissapointed.

 

[woodward]

Bullit's already mentioned it, but I'd try and be a little less argumentitive, as your value on the forum is not irreplaceable.

You'd think I was the one who accidentally said something highly offensive. It's my fault he doesn't understand what is meant by descent, sweet.