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Cape Town - It is hard to think of any traveling international sportsman or sportswoman who receive the same open-armed welcome that Sonny Bill Williams does whenever he visits Cape Town.
The charismatic centre has something resembling a cult following in these parts.
On Thursday outside the All Black team hotel, for example, there was a small but vocal group of South African Kiwi supporters camped outside the entrance, waiting for a glimpse of their superstar.
The All Black support will no doubt be noticeable at Newlands on Saturday, but Williams' affiliation to South Africa goes deeper than that.
His wife, Alana Raffie, is of South African descent.
When asked about the love he received in Cape Town, Williams wasn't convinced.
"I'm not sure about love," the 32-year-old joked.
"But I definitely feel comfortable here. I get a lot of support, just like the rest of the boys.
"My wife is South African so this is like a second home to, not just myself, but my family and my little girls.
"We always enjoy coming here, especially Cape Town.
"One day, God willing, I'll bring my girls across."
The New Zealanders have already wrapped up this year's Rugby Championship and walloped the Boks 57-0 in Albany three weekends ago, but Williams is adamant that there is still a lot to play for on Saturday.
"When it comes down to put on that jersey for the All Blacks, there is pressure there no matter what," he said.
"It doesn't really matter if it is a dead rubber or not. We're going out there to win and we know that this South African team is going to be hurting from the last game.
"We can come up with the magical plays, but if we don't have the attitude right it's going to be a tough day."
If only my Imaani & my Aishy bum were here to pat the turtles. ?? #missingmygirls #capetown pic.twitter.com/Au7cTcPH0h
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) October 4, 2017
