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Sonny Bill Williams nears return to action for Blues
By Online Editors
Blues and All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams is on the brink of returning to action in Super Rugby after missing the last two months with a knee injury.
Although he trained with the side on Wednesday, Williams won't be available for the Blues' must-win game against the Bulls at Eden Park on Saturday, but head coach Leon MacDonald is eyeing up a return for his squad's vice-captain next week when they face the Reds in Brisbane.
"We're trying to build his load back up, you can't go from minimal to a lot very quickly, especially when you come back from an injury like that," MacDonald said.
"So this week his load has increased to what would be a typical game week and if he can tolerate that, then he'll be good to go next week."
With Williams' name absent from the Blues' team sheet for this weekend's clash, the 33-year-old may ave played his last home game for the franchise, as he is coming off-contract at the end of this season, while the Blues only have away games against the Reds and Hurricanes following their encounter with the Bulls.
Many are expecting Williams to either take up a contract with an overseas club, return to rugby league, resume his stagnant professional boxing career, or retire as an athlete entirely as he reaches the twilight of his career.
The Blues, meanwhile, are in desperate need of victory against the Bulls, with anything less than that likely spelling the end of their faint play-off hopes.
Sitting in 13th spot with 26 points, the Blues are four points shy of the top eight, and will need to win all of their remaining matches to stay within touching distance of a play-offs spot, let alone actually qualify for a quarter-final.
While a place in the post-season is out of his side's control, MacDonald is hopeful his side can deliver the results needed to challenge for a qualifying berth.
"It's important for us to get back [to winning]," he said.
"We had a good performance here a couple of weeks ago against the Chiefs, but we didn't put in a performance down south [against the Crusaders].
"It was pretty wet, it wasn't a rainy day, but it was pretty dewy and a cold night. So I'm looking forward to being at home again.
"We understand the importance of the game and the consequences if we don't get a result.
"This week we've been talking about learning to win the games when the pressure is on.
"This is a big chance for our leadership group to take over and prepare like it's a final."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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