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Sonny Bill Williams set for long-awaited Blues bow
By Matthew Scott
Sonny Bill Williams could make his first appearance since rupturing his Achilles tendon at the Rio Olympics after being named on the bench for Blues' Super Rugby clash with Highlanders on Saturday.
Cross-code star Williams suffered the injury playing for New Zealand Sevens at the Games in August, ruling him out of the Rugby Championship and the early part of Blues' campaign.
However, he is set to make his debut for the Auckland franchise when they travel to Dunedin this weekend in a battle of the New Zealand Conference's bottom two teams.
Blues will make three changes to their starting XV on Saturday, including the return of All Black lock Steven Luatua from suspension, while Rieko Ioane returns in the backs.
"We have missed Steven's undoubted skills and it also allows Jerome (Kaino) to return to his role at number six where he is regarded as the best in the world," coach Tana Umaga said.
"Rieko is an extraordinary talent and showed his class off the bench to earn his spot back in the starting line-up."
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Latest Comments
The prem games this season have mainly been great to watch , with the exception of Sale. So boring and predictable.
Let's have more of Bristol, Bath , Quins etc style of play.
Rugby needs expansive play to put more bums on seats . Not the dirge of rolling forward mauls constantly trying to bully their way over the line.
It has its place yes to draw the defence but the fans want to see more running rugby . Not win at any cost and sod the entertainment .
Go to commentsSo Borthwick should drop Marcus Smith? He's the odd one out, forcing the rest of the English backline into a gameplay they don't know. Replacing him with Fin or Ford makes everyone more likely to succeed.
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