Sonny Bill Williams' All Black Debut

Sonny Bill Williams' All Black Debut

In the autumn of 2010, the rangy figure of Sonny Bill Williams trotted out onto the hallowed rugby turf that is Twickenham to become an All Black for the first time.

Prior to the test, there were questions asked in New Zealand regarding the wisdom of including Williams in the starting XV while the All Blacks hunted the elusive grand slam.

While this speculation from back home would no doubt have placed added pressure onto the broad shoulders of the then soon-to-be All Black, he took it in his stride, rising to the grand occasion in his typical, commanding style.

Picked at outside centre for the game, Williams was cool, calm and collected from the get-go, keeping the ball alive well and setting up his teammates in space.

The All Blacks emerged 26-16 victors in a hard-fought match with Sonny Bill’s impressive performance a major talking point.


Since then, Williams has gone on to win 58 caps in a distinguished All Black career.


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