All Blacks: Tamaiti Williams gives blunt verdict on costly decision which resulted in injury setback
All Blacks and Crusaders front-row forward Tamaiti Williams.
All Blacks star Tamaiti Williams has revealed that he has no regrets about his decision to play for the Crusaders in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific final despite not being fully fit.
The loosehead prop sustained a knee injury during the Christchurch-based outfit’s qualifying finals clash against the Reds, and although he missed his side’s semi-final victory over the Blues, he strapped his knee for the final against the Chiefs.
He put in a 55-minute shift during the Crusaders‘ narrow 16-12 triumph against the men from Hamilton. Sadly, despite being a Super Rugby Pacific champion again, his decision to play resulted in him further injuring his knee.
That meant Williams had to have surgery to fix his torn meniscus, and he missed out on the All Blacks‘ 3-0 series victory over France in New Zealand.
Determined to play in the final for the Crusaders
“Yeah, I made it pretty clear from the start I will put my body on the line for the red and black jersey,” he told Stuff from Buenos Aires. “Of course, the pinnacle is being in a black jersey.
“But I felt like I would be cheating myself and cheating my mates if I didn’t give it everything I had.
“To be fair, I was quite lucky having a minor knee injury. We all know what a major knee injury can do to people, so I don’t regret it.
“I feel like I was meant to play the final, which I was happy about.”
Apart from those Tests against France, he also missed New Zealand’s 41-24 victory over Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener in Cordoba last weekend.
Set for All Blacks return this weekend
He is expected to return to action when Los Pumas and the All Blacks meet in their rematch in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
Initially, Williams was included in All Blacks boss Scott Robertson’s squad for the series against Le Bleus, before scans revealed he had to have an operation.
That meant he headed back to Christchurch, where the Crusaders’ medical staff handled his rehabilitation over a five-week period.
“I was around all the Canterbury [NPC] boys, so it wasn’t too lonely,” said the 25-year-old, who is comfortable on both sides of the scrum.
“It’s been a good block, getting the knee right, resting the body, but I am itching to get back out there now.”
Prior to his injury, Williams cemented his spot in the All Blacks’ first-choice starting line-up, and he has emerged as one of the world’s leading front-rowers.
His expected return to action this weekend is a timely one as the All Blacks are set to face their arch rivals, the Springboks, in their eagerly anticipated Round Three Rugby Championship Test at Eden Park on September 6.
