Sonny Bill Williams to start from bench as All Blacks bulk up squad for South Africa

From staff writers FOX SPORTS July 28, 2011 6:48AM


Sonny Bill Williams will make his home Test debut from the bench as New Zealand tweak their line-up for Saturday's Tri Nations Test against South Africa in Wellington.

All Blacks Team
Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino; Ali Williams, Sam Whitelock; Ben Franks, Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Jarrad Hoeata, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.

SBW didn't play in last weekend's 60-14 win over Fiji in Dunedin but returns in place of Ben Smith as the All Blacks bulk up their squad in preparation for a tougher test.


Coach Graham Henry made four changes in all with Samuel Whitelock back at lock in place of Jarrad Hoeata, Jerome Kaino returning to his regular starting position at blindside flanker, star five eighth Dan Carter preferred over Colin Slade and Cory Jane overcoming a finger injury to take his place on the right wing.

Watch the All Blacks-Springboks clash Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports 3 and Fox Sports 3HD from 5pm (EST) on Saturday, July 3.

Henry said the Springboks would be hurting after last week's loss to Australia and would come out firing.

"They are a proud rugby nation and won't want a repeat performance so we will have to be ready for that challenge," he said.


"But we have had a good build up this week and have picked a team we know that will be up for that challenge."

The two teams last met in Johannesburg last year when the All Blacks won 29-22. New Zealand hold a 45-33 advantage over their rivals in 81 contests.

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