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'One of the best to do it' - Lions centre praises Sonny Bill Williams
By Josh Raisey
Dragons centre Jamie Roberts has hailed Sonny Bill Williams as “one of the best to do it at number 12,” after the All Black announced his retirement from all forms of rugby.
The 35-year-old double World Cup winner confirmed that he is seeking to return to boxing for the first time since 2015 and therefore put an end to both his rugby union and league careers. He said that his body could no longer meet the demands of playing rugby week in, week out.
As one of the most iconic and influential players over the past decade, there has undoubtedly been an outpouring of praise directed at the 58-cap All Black, but it does not get much better than the Welshman holding him in such high regard.
Despite being two of the premier inside centres in world rugby over the past decade, and two colossal presences on the pitch, Roberts and Williams only lined up opposite one another once in their Test careers. That was in Cardiff in November 2014, although Roberts also came off the bench to face Williams in another Test in 2017, which turned out to be the last match he played for Wales.
Their lack of encounters was partly due to the Kiwi’s varied career, which saw him have stints in rugby league and sevens, where he competed at the 2016 Olympic Games. He also has a 7-0 record in boxing, winning the New Zealand heavyweight title in 2012 and the World Boxing Association (WBA) International heavyweight title in 2013.
Roberts himself added another chapter to his storied career yesterday by signing a new one-year deal with the Dragons.
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Latest Comments
In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..
If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.
My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.
ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.
Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.
Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.
It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.
So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.
After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.
Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.
Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.
Go to commentsI agree what a load of crap! The ABs are elite sportsmen and ALL sportsmen want to challenge themselves against the best. And where better than Eden Park - some say that is our fortress. Well the ABs will relish the chance to build on that notion I am sure.
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