Yes, its lights, camera, action, as Sonny Bill Williams enters the conversation. Men get excited about historical and possible exploits on the field of sporting dreams, while women… well, best we make no comment about their dreams… enough said!
While it is true that with this coming weekend, our rugby thoughts are preoccupied with an All Black vs Bokke Battle, Soweto-style, it is also true that this weekend “could” signal the beginning of a new rugby reality, Sonny Bill Williams – the New Zealand Provincial Rugby Player! While all will be interested in how SBW develops in the ITM Cup (the present title of our Provincial Tournament), it is also true that this tournament is a stepping stone, a precursor, a premonition… if you will, to the real reason and goal why Sonny has returned home, with this goal enveloped around the colour of All Black!
I have made my declaration on other blog shores that I am excited about Sonny Bill Williams… on the field, and I am genuinely interested to see how he develops in the Canterbury jersey, over the extended period of a season, in the game of Union, in the land we love, New Zealand.
Although it is generally accepted that a stand-out ITM Cup is a prerequisite for any player to even hope to make it to the next level, Sonny Bill Williams is not just any other player. Yes, such a statement is likely to irk the ire of many in the rugby community, particularly those who will remember rugby Old Skool style (I am guilty as charged). However, when the NZRU made a very rugby-wise decision to bring the boy-Williams home, they did not sign him with a healthy salary to bolster the stocks of the Canterbury ITM squad, or the prospective Crusaders Super 15 franchise for 2011.
No, Sonny Bill Williams was signed to play with only one colour in mind, and that is in All Black!
All of this is to say that I agree with Frank Bunce, who said the following…
“I actually think he’s an All Black already. I spoke to a friend of mine in France who follows rugby closely and he said that Sonny Bill is the best player in French rugby by far.”
If to underscore this perspective, I have recently communicated with a former South African International, playing professionally in the Northern Hemisphere, with his words affirming this same perception… Sonny Bill Williams was a class above when playing in the Top 14 for Toulon. Recently, I have even been asked to keep this player informed on Sonny’s progress and development.
This perspective sounds sort-of-simple-enough… Maybe. Okay, humour me! Well, you can play along until you also factor in the number of other players seeking to fill the All Black midfield with their good self.
Take a read of these names… Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Benson Stanley, Luke McAllister, Rene Ranger, and Robbie Fruean… Just imagine if Aaron Mauger was still fit to play (btw, he’s made a good start in the commentary box, methinks)!
Is Sonny Bill Williams still an All Black Already?
Who is going to miss out at his expense?
MMmmm.
My answer, still, in a word, is…
Y-E-S
Even if he has a shocker of a season?
Well, that’s a presuppositions that is unlikely to happen, but even if Sonny is a little-to-a-lot rough around the edges, the three wise men will believe that when they get their hands on the man, they can help to make magic happen, as SBW has the genius to put the “X” in a Factor.
The issue in our New Zealand culture, and our rugby culture in general, is that such a position does not sit and settle well within our thinking. Quite understandably, we want what takes place out on the field to be definitive with what takes place off the field when a squad of players are chosen, particularly at the All Black level. It can even cut against our sense of fair play if things are set up otherwise!
While this position is idealistic, is it realistic? All of the time? Exceptions?
I am not going to answer this for you, as I have said enough… except to say… I believe Sonny Bill Williams is already on the End of Year Tour (Telecom, Pick Me, Pick Me), and in time, he will prove to be an asset in the All Black jersey, proving this in the sphere that counts! This may take some time, it’s just fortunate that good things take time!
These are my thoughts Members of BackingBlack. It is now your opportunity to step up to the mike!
After all, this is why I included, “Your Thoughts” in the Header!
Please share your thoughts on the SBW. The floor is really yours, and we want to read your words, interacting with what you have to bring to this blogging table!
Until Next Time
iamjonnyking
