Rugby

Sonny Bill in quiet Kiwi debut

2010-09-03 13:15
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Sonny Bill Williams (File)
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Christchurch - Sonny Bill Williams made a solid but unspectacular New Zealand first class rugby debut for Canterbury in their 28-9 victory over Bay of Plenty in the national provincial championship on Friday.

The former rugby league international has been the most talked about player in New Zealand this year since turning down a new contract with French club Toulon to return home with the goal of playing for the All Blacks at next year's Rugby World Cup.

Williams had been battling a hamstring injury that delayed his first appearance for Canterbury and started on the bench but made an earlier appearance than expected when Ryan Crotty was forced off in the first 15 minutes with an ankle injury.

His deft touch, offloads in the tackle, speed and ability to beat men were all evident in the few opportunities he received at Lancaster Park.

The 25-year-old was also involved twice in the build-up to a Matt Todd try and produced a try-saving tackle on Lelia Masaga in the corner in the second half.

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