All Blacks legend weighs in on Johnny Sexton-Rieko Ioane spat as he believes ‘hatred’ will ‘add spice’
Rieko Ioane and Johnny Sexton with former All Black Sonny Bill Williams.
All Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams insists that the Johnny Sexton-Rieko Ioane spat will be used as fuel by the players for Friday’s game in Dublin.
Following last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final, the Ireland legend was visibly unhappy with a remark that was made by his New Zealand counterpart.
That feud was then reignited almost a year later as extracts were released from Sexton’s autobiography which detailed the interaction.
Ioane doubled down by mocking the former Test fly-half in a social media post, adding more spice to a game which has already been dubbed a ‘grudge match’.
Revenge?
While head coach Andy Farrell has insisted that they are not out for revenge, there is no doubt that Ireland would like to get one over the All Blacks after what happened in the World Cup.
Equally, Ioane, who may receive a frosty reception from the Irish players and supporters on Friday, could well have an edge to his game.
“I love it and yes it matters and yes we carry it. With my time in the All Blacks, I didn’t want to come second, no one wanted to come second,” Williams told Off The Ball.
“We’re sitting third on the table so all these things matter for me and better matter for these guys sitting in that dressing room.
“Getting any type of motivation [helps]. Obviously, we don’t hate them but you use that ‘hatred’ as motivation.
“When you’re playing at the highest level, every little bit counts. Anything you can use as an extra push.
“The best players in the world love this because it adds spice to it, and that’s why I think this game is going to be one for the ages.”
American mindset
Williams spoke about his own mindset going into a game and how he took inspiration from the Americans when taking to the field.
While there is confidence and, at times, arrogance throughout the top level of rugby, the All Blacks legend believes they take that cocksure approach to another level.
“I love American sports when it comes to the mindset because to be the best player on the field, you’ve got to have cockiness, a bit of bravado, because it’s me versus you, and I ain’t gonna lose, so you’ve got to have that mentality,” he said.
“Yes, shake hands off the field, be humble off the field because that’s how we are, but on that field you need that. American sports showcases that at the highest level.”
