Sonny Bill: Sevens a whole new ball game

Williams, who looks set to make his debut in the abbreviated version of the game at the Wellington Sevens at the end of the month, admitted there is a lot of work to do.

Williams said after the completion of the training camp in Cambridge on Wednesday that he was 'loving' the new environment and after a few days involvement he had 'so much admiration for these guys'.

"They've been doing this for a long time and it is not easy work," he said in an interview on allblacks.com.

"The big thing for me is just getting out there and doing it," Williams said.

"I've got confidence I'll be able to pick it up eventually and that's the reason why I am a full-time Sevens player this year because I knew coming into it, it was going to be really tough and I had to give it my all."

Fitness requirements had been at another level to what he had experienced before.

"I thought the pre-season of Rugby League was tough, but here it is a whole new ball game. It is tough days, but it is just a repetition every day. I'm lucky enough that they are easing me into it this week but it is still very tough.

"I know I've got a lot to learn, I know where I am at but I've got faith in my ability and what I can bring to the table," he said.

The feared reputation of New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens' training sessions was soon impressed on him.

A beep test was completed on the first day and while after that was done at Super franchises there tended to be a break, but the Sevens went into an hour long session and Williams found after 20 minutes he couldn't break a jogging pace.

"It was a bit of a wake-up call, but in saying that I know where I am at, I know where I want to go and I know that comes from a lot of hard work," he said.

"The best thing about what he [Scott Curry] has said and Titch has said is that you have got to be aggressive and play what you see. You don't want to be stuck in that frame of mind where you are a wing or a prop or a centre, you've got to cover every position because it is not like 15-a-side where you can have a bit of time to move around."

* Meanwhile veteran Sevens specialist Tim Mikkelson will captain New Zealand for the remaining eight tournaments of the World Series.

Mikkelson replaces Scott Curry, who suffered a season ending shoulder injuring at the Dubai Sevens last month.

Tietjens said Mikkelson was the right man to take over at this stage.

"Tim's a top player with many seasons of experience and has some great leadership qualities," Tietjens said.

"He knows the game inside out so I'm confident he has what it takes to lead the team over the rest of the season. Tim's got huge respect from all the players and I know there will be plenty of support for him.

"It was a real blow to lose Scott in Dubai, but it's great we have someone as experienced as Tim to step in."

Mikkelson (29) has been a standout performer in the side since making his debut at the South Africa Sevens in 2007.

The veteran of 56 World Series tournaments has scored more tries than any other New Zealand sevens player and is currently seventh highest try scorer in World Series history. His outstanding form in 2013 saw him named the IRB Sevens Player of the Year.

"It's an honour to be given the responsibility to lead the team for the rest of the World Series," said Mikkelson.

"I've got big shoes to fill, but we've got a great pool of experienced players who will all be helping out.

"It's a really exciting year ahead for sevens and we're looking forward to playing in Wellington as it's the only time we play in front of our home fans. We're really hoping there's a big turnout as it's a huge year for us and we love the support we get in the capital.

"We're certainly working hard after the challenging start to the season and hope to turn things around with a great performance in Wellington."

The All Blacks Sevens are currently seventh in the World Series.

The Wellington Sevens kicks off on Saturday, January 30.

The All Blacks Sevens play Scotland, South Africa and Russia in pool play.

The squad assembles in Wellington on Thursday, January 21 – with the team to play Wellington Sevens named on Monday 25 January.