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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 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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