Community News/ Auckland

SBW HAS TRAINED WITH THE ALL BLACKS

Sonny Bill Williams is on the brink of achieving double international status at Twickenham unless subterfuge was at play or the All Blacks' first hit-out since Hong Kong was simply an innocent extension of his on-the-job training.

When the All Blacks returned to a practice ground today for the first time since arriving in London for their Grand Slam opener against England on Sunday (NZT), Williams stood out in what appeared to be the shadow Test backline.

He spent the vast majority of a willing two-hour session running at centre in between Ma'a Nonu and Joe Rokocoko, two automatic inclusions for the first leg of the All Blacks' third attempt on a Grand Slam in five years.

Although Williams has been employed at second five-eighth for the majority of his seven-match provincial career with Canterbury, All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith indicated the selectors felt the 25-year-old could be equally adept at covering both midfield roles.

Smith said Williams would be given an opportunity to play in both positions on the tour but was coy yesterday on when that may eventuate.

Williams confessed the fourth and final Bledisloe Cup Test last weekend would have been beyond him, it was anticipated the Scotland Test at Murrayfield on November 14 (NZT) would be used to introduce the former Kiwis international to test rugby.

However, after consultations between Graham Henry and Smith, his backline coordinator, it seems conceivable Williams could be incorporated against an English backline that poses neither the pace nor panache of its Australian counterpart.

Williams's familiarity with England's playing style and personnel - gleaned during two seasons under the guidance of Jonny Wilkinson at Toulon --has possibly encouraged All Black management to blood Williams in relatively comfortable surroundings.