Sonny Bill Williams News + Progress in ITM Cup

[woodward]

I think his attitude with his running isn't the best at the moment, it's a bit soft. It's like he's waiting for his confidence to build before going 100%, against Wellington he got fired up by a bit of handbags and ran through what four players to score. That fend tonight was brutal though, notice he's put it on in crucial points of the game with 10m or so left? I think he's holding back is what I'm trying to say

 

[Sam Owen]

I think he's holding back is what I'm trying to say

I think its just the way he runs. When I first seen him play in the NRL I use to think 'he's just cruisin', but after awhile I learnt that was the way he ran, if thats what your reffering to woody.

 

[TRF C A Iversen]

I think its just the way he runs. When I first seen him play in the NRL I use to think 'he's just cruisin', but after awhile I learnt that was the way he ran, if thats what your reffering to woody.

Yeah I think it's his style. He's shaping to be a great player, but just because woodward is stating that he'll be this or that, doesn't mean others are doubting him, they are just waiting until he actually achieves things before stating that he can do them.

For example I don't think Nick said that he can't break the line, he just said that he hasn't really done it yet. Yet woodward turns around and says "thats another thing that he supposedly can't do crossed off the list". Which makes it sound all wrong. People aren't doubting Sonny Bill, they just aren't getting ahead of themselves. That's what Sonny would want his fans to be like.

 

[ranger]

Yeah I think it's his style. He's shaping to be a great player, but just because woodward is stating that he'll be this or that, doesn't mean others are doubting him, they are just waiting until he actually achieves things before stating that he can do them.

For example I don't think Nick said that he can't break the line, he just said that he hasn't really done it yet. Yet woodward turns around and says "thats another thing that he supposedly can't do crossed off the list". Which makes it sound all wrong. People aren't doubting Sonny Bill, they just aren't getting ahead of themselves. That's what Sonny would want his fans to be like.

Im pretty sure Nick is spitefully doubting him if we are being honest haha.

 

[nickdnz]

Im pretty sure Nick is spitefully doubting him if we are being honest haha.

Haha, I think Iverson got it better. I haven't even said he's a bad player. I've said a number of times he's looked impressive, it's just the scale of how impressive he's been that is what's way off. So far, he's looked like a good rugby player, with a fair bit of flare, but that's as far as I'd put it. Things like "world class" and "devistating" are based all most entirely on reputation. As Iverson said, when he proves that he is worth the hype, I'll happily admit it (although I won't admit that the NZRU were making a good decision in the long term by signing him, unless he signs on after 2012).

 

[Sam Owen]

Im pretty sure Nick is spitefully doubting him if we are being honest haha.

Nick definately doubted him before and he does point out SBW's negatives in his games at times (and why not) but Nick had Sonny in one of his EOYT teams so he doesnt hate the guy.

 

[nickdnz]

Nick definately doubted him before and he does point out SBW's negatives in his games at times (and why not) but Nick had Sonny in one of his EOYT teams so he doesnt hate the guy.

In truth, I've been trying pretty hard to give a fair perspective. I still think he's over rated (and as far as doubting his skills, I concede I didn't think he'd be All Black worthy by the EOYT, which I still think is yet to be seen, but he has looked like one of the best specialist 2nd 5/8ths in the country). If anyone saw Isia Toeava's return yesturday, he was brilliant, but it goes largely ignored. But if SBW played like that, he' be rated the best centre in the world.

The one big problem I've always had with SBW, which I've changed my stance to disliking the NZRU, is that the way in which he went about getting signed in that he consistanly mentioned how he's earning less in Toloun, may consider other options after RWC while getting $550,000, makes me think, yes it was a good decision in getting crowds and attention, but if he leaves after 2012, you've then just sent a message that NZ will now give a black jersey and a huge amount of cash to unproven overseas players with a big reputation.

But, what's done is done, and well done to SBW's manager for raping the NZRU. Now I'm just interested in seeing if he can play to AB standard, and at the moment he's performed well. Not as highly as people are suggesting, but certainly he's putting his hand up for the EOYT. That being said, if it was almost any other player, they'd be having to wait until at least playing Super rugby before being thrown into the AB's.

 

[ranger]

In truth, I've been trying pretty hard to give a fair perspective. I still think he's over rated (and as far as doubting his skills, I concede I didn't think he'd be All Black worthy by the EOYT, which I still think is yet to be seen, but he has looked like one of the best specialist 2nd 5/8ths in the country). If anyone saw

Isia Toeava's

return yesturday, he was brilliant, but it goes largely ignored. But if SBW played like that, he' be rated the best centre in the world.

The one big problem I've always had with SBW, which I've changed my stance to disliking the NZRU, is that the way in which he went about getting signed in that he consistanly mentioned how he's earning less in Toloun, may consider other options after RWC while getting $550,000, makes me think, yes it was a good decision in getting crowds and attention, but if he leaves after 2012, you've then just sent a message that NZ will now give a black jersey and a huge amount of cash to unproven overseas players with a big reputation.

But, what's done is done, and well done to SBW's manager for raping the NZRU. Now I'm just interested in seeing if he can play to AB standard, and at the moment he's performed well. Not as highly as people are suggesting, but certainly he's putting his hand up for the EOYT. That being said, if it was almost any other player, they'd be having to wait until at least playing Super rugby before being thrown into the AB's.

Its interesting you mention Toeava and that statement in the same comment.. Isaia made the All Blacks for the end of year tour in 2005, after having played about 8 NPC games. And only he only started one of those games.. Needless to say he hadn't played Super rugby before but there wasn't nearly as much spite towards his selection as is being directed to SBW.
I think the thing that really sets him apart from other players is his raw physical attributes. He is taller and heavier than some of the locks going around in the ITM cup, hes very quick and his passing game and natural offensive awareness is right up there with the best in the business. That combination is insane. If it was your run of the mill 5'11, 87kg 2nd 5 playing some good rugby in the ITM cup, then thats a situation where you see wait and see what he can do in super rugby. SBW is a physical freak, which changes things.

 

[woodward]

Toeava and SBW, I'm glad we're discussing the two most gifted players outside Carter in NZ right now, why they have to be mutually exclusive I'm not too sure.

 

[nickdnz]

Its interesting you mention Toeava and that statement in the same comment.. Isaia made the All Blacks for the end of year tour in 2005, after having played about 8 NPC games. And only he only started one of those games.. Needless to say he hadn't played Super rugby before but there wasn't nearly as much spite towards his selection as is being directed to SBW.

He was also the IRB Jr Player of the Year...I wouldn't mind so much if Savea was thrown in the squad now.

My issue was really more of loyalty, both of SBW and NZRU.

 

[ranger]

He was also the IRB Jr Player of the Year...I wouldn't mind so much if Savea was thrown in the squad now.

My issue was really more of loyalty, both of SBW and NZRU.

Needless details! my point stands

 

[Haysie]

Hell yeah! I just realised that I started this badboy, after all the merging that went on!

 

[Shaggy]

:lol: hehe ... I think this NZ Herald article says it all when it comes to SBW ... Nick, you don't write for them do you

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10679631 ... here tis

Michael Guerin: Don't hate him because he's beautiful15

By Michael Guerin
5:30 AM Monday Oct 11, 2010

You can be forgiven for not liking him.

I don't want to like him, not somebody this unfairly talented.

With his super-charmed life, those looks, the insane ability, the international media profile.

All style and magazine shoots and adoring young fans.

And now the monster that is Canterbury rugby has beat up its brave little Southland cousins, he has the Ranfurly Shield to play with as well.

Hardly seems fair when the snow-shovelling, real men of the South lose their most treasured possession to guys like him from Canterbury.

After all, with the All Black end-of-year tour and then a bit of R&R on some stunning beach somewhere, how much time will he spend in Canterbury over the summer to even see the shield? It must rankle the southern men even more knowing the glamour boy can always pop down to rugby headquarters in Christchurch and gel up his perfect hair in the shield's reflection.

Yes, it would be easy not to like him.


A man so outrageously blessed he was destined to wear the black jersey from the time he was old enough to drive.

A man so special he can skive off to go play for some Frog team nobody had ever heard of, leaving his mates at Canterbury to fend for themselves.

And then he returns to New Zealand to a guaranteed All Black jersey.

And he has the guile to do all this while enjoying his life. Being happy, learning languages. The modelling, the topless photo shoots.

It is easy to dislike a man like this. A man who plays a sport that is supposed to take a heavy physical toll, but still looks like an Adonis.

It is easy to not like this man, knowing your girlfriend might occasionally catch a glance of him on TV or a billboard and then consider buying you the Abmaster 2000.

What makes it worse is knowing that, if you played golf with him, he's the sort of guy who would downplay his exploits, be polite and funny. Then outdrive you by 50 metres.

He's the sort of guy whose friends call him by his initials. I mean really, what sort of rugby player is that? You wouldn't have heard Colin Meads or Wayne Shelford getting called by some silly nickname, would you?

This is rugby, not boxing, after all.

And yet he's always so self-effacing on television, with that constant smile, boy-next-door manners and the trendy clothes.

Yes, it is easy to dislike a man like this.

And why Canterbury? Why is he playing for the red-and-blacks, who have so much talent in his position alone, when he could have come to Auckland.

We wanted him, but instead he plays for the one team that could win without him. And we all know, he is far more Auckland than Canterbury.

You know what makes this envy worse. He will soon be jetting off to the Northern Hemisphere with the All Blacks, where he will destroy his opponents and further boost his asking price for his post World Cup-career.

And when he gets there, he will have that other glamour boy outside him.

That one called Sonny Bill Williams.

Yes, it would be easy not to like a man like Dan Carter.

A man who has done all those things you just read and yet is just still on his way to rugby sainthood.

But of course nobody dislikes Carter. Because he's a great guy. Because he plays his rugby like a violent ballet, has bled for his country and because you know the next year of his life is dedicated to winning us the World Cup.

Which makes you wonder why some people - rugby traditionalists they call themselves - dislike Sonny Bill Williams. And want to see him fail so they can say "we told you so".

When you think about it, are DC and SWB really that different?

Sure, one is already an All Black legend but the other one hasn't had that chance yet. Yet.

And considering how SBW has conducted himself on and off the field since coming home, what's not to like?

Unless of course you come from Southland, because he just stole your shield.

 

[Ninja]

To sum that article up. The man who has everything, the man who all the girls want, the man who every guy wants to be like, that man is SBW...

 

[Dizzy]

lmao that article is so funny.. when I realised he was talking about Daniel Carter I burst into laughter lmao

 

[Dizzy]

To sum that article up. The man who has everything, the man who all the girls want, the man who every guy wants to be like, that man is SBW...

That man is Daniel Carter lmao

 

[Feicarsinn]

lmao that article is so funny.. When i realised he was talking about daniel carter i burst into laughter lmao

aaaaaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Spoiler alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dizzy]

Are you ok? Did I hurt you? lmao

 

[Feicarsinn]

Are you ok? Did I hurt you? lmao

Rude.
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Rude.

 

[markshaw]

Seeing as I'm posting after Feicarsinn, I better get my spelling correct. I've said this before but I have a real problem with people dogging Sonny Bill. They are basically only doing it to save their skins incase it doesn't work out. Once he makes the All Blacks and is performing well they will jump back on the bandwagon. I'm talking about Kiwi's here.