 Williams quit rugby league to join French club Toulon in 2008 |
Rugby league convert Sonny Bill Williams has been named in the New Zealand rugby union squad for next month's northern hemisphere tour. The All Blacks play England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in November. Williams, who recently returned to his homeland from French club Toulon, is the only newcomer in the 30-man squad. The giant midfield back earned his call-up after a series of imposing performances for Canterbury in New Zealand's provincial championships. New Zealand coach Graham Henry has been deprived of the services of veteran scrum-half Piri Weepu, who broke his ankle while playing for Wellington in a national championship match on Saturday. He has been replaced by Albie Mathewson, who will compete with Andy Ellis and Jimmy Cowan for the number nine shirt.  | 606: DEBATE |
Flanker Daniel Braid, wing Hosea Gear, fly-half Stephen Donald and utility back Isaia Toeava were all included despite missing the domestic Test season. Donald got the nod as back-up fly-half to Dan Carter, with Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade both missing out. "We feel that we have got a very good rugby squad, well led by some very experienced All Blacks, and we are excited by the challenges that we have ahead of us," said Henry.
New Zealand squad: Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Tom Donnelly, Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Samuel Whitelock, Tony Woodcock. Backs: Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Alby Mathewson, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Sonny Bill Williams.
| 
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?