NZPA - November 26, 2010, 6:59 am
NZPA ©
It is yet another proud moment in his meteoric rise to international rugby, though Sonny Bill Williams sounded almost apologetic when contemplating his starting role in the All Blacks Grand Slam-defining test against Wales on Sunday (NZT).
An intimidating presence on the field since his test debut at Twickenham, the 25-year-old was contrite today when the significance of his selection ahead of Ma'a Nonu at second five-eighth was raised.
Williams immediately played down the relevance of a third start on his first All Blacks tour, rejecting suggestions Nonu may now exist in the shadows of the 1.91-metre ball runner -- or on the bench, where he sits at Millennium Stadium.
"
We all know I'm not the number one 12 in the country," he said.
"You kind of know what the coaches are doing. It's the last kind of hit out -- I'm the new kid on the block, they just want to give me game time so I can find my feet.
"
To me and the people that matter, Ma'a is the No 1," he reiterated.
"I know where I stand, I have to keep working hard to keep my foot in the 22."
Williams shifted uncomfortably in his seat when facing the press, an indication of the potentially awkward position he finds himself in given Nonu has been his greatest source of guidance since he joined the All Blacks pre-departure camp in Auckland last month.
"I've learnt so much off Ma'a, more than anyone else this tour," he said.
"He's really taken me under his wing and helped me out a lot."
The 55-test veteran might have inadvertently jeopardised his own career by easing Williams' introduction to one of professional sport's most intense working environments.
They started in midfield together against England, with Williams occupying Smith's centre berth, but since then the former league star has reverted to his preferred position outside Dan Carter.
