Sonny Bill returns after ban

Cape Town - New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams returned to the rugby field on Saturday as he played 65 minutes in a Counties B inter-squad match.

Williams, whose ban ran its course after the All Blacks' 'game of three halves' on Friday, is now eligible to face the Wallabies next week.

"Hopefully I put my best foot forward now by training hard and putting my hand up for selection," he told Stuff at Bombay Rugby Club.

"We'll see how we go. It's going to be a tough battle while we're there (in Sydney)."

In poor conditions Williams impressed and has made a case for a starting berth against Australia in their Rugby Championship opener.