VIDEO: Williams hands Bok coaches a No.9 conundrum
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Grant Williams has handed the Springboks’ management team a nice headache after two rounds of the Rugby Championship season.
Williams has been building a solid case to be in the running for a spot in the 33-man World Cup with two incredible cameos from the bench against Australia and New Zealand.
During the Springboks’ 43-12 win over Australia, he replaced Cobus Reinach and he impressed with his agility and ability to control the game.
On Saturday, against the All Blacks, he was called in to replace Francois De Klerk.
He immediately injected some pace from behind the pack as the Boks tried to produce a second-half comeback during the 20-35 defeat in Auckland.
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When asked how he slots into the green and gold jersey with ease, Wiliams credited the Springboks’ management for their support.
“If you look at [Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus], coach Jacques [Nienaber], and assistant coach [Mzwandile Stick] just backing me and everyone around me, that makes a big difference,” Williams said, adding: “I’m happy they back me to go out and play.
“I joined the Springboks in 2021, so I’ve been part of the setup for quite some time now.
“For me personally, I’m enjoying the setup, I’m learning a lot from the more experienced scrumhalves. I’m just finding my way in the squad.
“I’m happy being part of the group.”
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All about the positives
The 26-year admitted the Boks were caught off guard by the All Blacks’ aerial onslaught during Saturday’s defeat.
The Boks took the field without an out-and-out flyhalf, while All Blacks relied on flyhalf Richie Mo’ unga and two additional kickers in the form of fullback Beauden Barrett and centre Jordie Barrett.
However, he believes the team has learned a lot which will be helpful as they prepare for the World Cup.
“We could have been better in the aerial battle. It’s something small the All Blacks changed in their game.
“But as a team, we’ll take the positives from the match and build on that,” Williams said.
Following his latest cameos, there will be calls for the Williams to start against Argentina at Ellis Park in the final round of the Rugby Championship later this month.
However, Williams is focused on delivering his best whether in the starting line-up or from the bench.
“I don’t know if I’ll be involved in the next couple of games,” Williams said.
“I’m assuming that I’ll be part of the bigger group and I need to fulfil my role in the squad and that’s what I’m doing at the moment.”
South Africa will take on Argentina on July 29 at Ellis Park in the last round of the Rugby Championship before embarking on their World Cup warm-up matches.
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