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Cape Town - All Blacks and Crusaders sensation Sonny Bill Williams says he is flattered by Springbok coach Peter de Villiers's comments about the way in which he plays the game.

VIDEO: Crusaders mobbed by crowd at Newlands

De Villiers earlier this week launched a scathing attack on the Crusaders star, describing his flamboyant offloading style as "nonsense" and a "poor example for young rugby players".

“I’ve got a simple reply for him (De Villiers),” Williams said prior to his team’s departure from Cape Town for their Vodacom Super Rugby clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

“I am flattered that he would go to the lengths he did in dissecting my game. If I can change the face of rugby with the way I play, then so be it,” he said.

Williams was brilliant in the Crusaders' resolute 20-14 Super Rugby victory over the Stormers in Cape Town last Saturday, cutting the competition's best defence open with his off-loads, ball-strips and running angles.

Williams added that his flamboyant off-loads come naturally and were honed during his time as a rugby league player.

“As a forward in rugby league it was required of me to stay on my feet and off-load in the tackle. And if my style of play influences youngsters to improve their skills, it should be seen as something positive,” he concluded.