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Williams in the front lines

Saturday 05th July 2008

Williams: Not one to be pushed around

In his 50th Test for New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday, Ali Williams shook off an ankle injury to put in a sterling performance as his team swept past South Africa 19-8 in the opening game of the Tri-Nations.

The lock's performance, especially in the line-outs against the much-lauded world champions, was instrumental to his team's victory at a very cold and wet Westpac Stadium.

As has come to be expected from clashes between the old rivals, the encounter was a bruising physical affair and Williams was in the front lines.

"It was very physical, there was a lot of heat from both teams," Williams told reporters shortly after the final whistle.

The match was not short of niggle and a few controversial off-the-ball incidents, late tackles and even an early brawl took much of the shine off the All Blacks win.

"That's rugby," said Williams.

"If you're not going to compete physically then you're going to get pushed around."

Coach Graham Henry was full of praise for Williams who played his part not only in an outstanding forward effort, but as part of the All Blacks leadership.

"Ali played superbly," said Henry.

"He was one of many of the forwards who played well," added Henry who was echoed by assistant coach Wayne Smith who said the game was won up-front.

Henry added that the New Zealanders could not have been more motivated for the match against the world champions.

"Every All Black-Springbok Test is special and to come away on the right side of the ledger makes it more special," he said.