Foster slams 'mischievous' Sonny Bill Williams rumours
Ian Foster has criticised “mischievous” rumours suggesting Sonny Bill Williams’ World Cup could have been over before it had started.
Centre Williams was rumoured to be heading home from Japan due to a calf problem but New Zealand assistant coach Foster insisted those claims were baseless.
The All Blacks start the defence of their two consecutive World Cup titles by taking on South Africa in Yokohama on Saturday.
And Foster has insisted Williams will be in the mix for selection for that crucial clash.
“Is he going home? No. Is he available for selection based on his progression last week? Then I think the answer is yes,” said Foster.
“He’s trained really well and got through it and I think we said last week we had a progression plan for a number of the guys who brought niggles into the week and overall came through pretty good.
“In fact, everyone was training at nearly 100 per cent in the last training session.
“It’s just disappointing that a mischievous person has tweeted something with no information behind it.”
Williams had battled off a host of injuries to make New Zealand’s World Cup squad in the first place.
Knee surgery had threatened the 34-year-old’s World Cup place, and that after dealing with wrist, knee and shoulder injuries in the previous season.
Asked whether New Zealand were considering any call-ups, Foster added: “I’ve just answered that question. There’s no people needed.”
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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