All Blacks: Tamaiti Williams relishing Test return and ‘can’t wait to rip in’ against Fiji
All Blacks front-row Tamaiti Williams.
Rookie All Blacks loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams is set to return to international action against Fiji in San Diego this weekend after a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to injury.
He made his Test debut as a replacement in New Zealand’s Rugby Championship win over South Africa in Auckland last year and has gone on to make seven further Test appearances.
Keen to make up for lost time
However, Williams is back in the run-on side for the clash with Fiji and is keen to make up for lost time after spending most of the Crusaders’ season on the sidelines due to a serious hamstring injury.
Needless to say, the 23-year-old is relishing his international comeback after returning to action during the latter stages of the Christchurch-based outfit’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
“I can’t wait to rip in,” said Williams. “The scrum has been going well for us.
“The trainings have been hard out, but it’s good to see the boys transfer the good trainings onto the pitch and get some reward against a good England pack.”
After missing out on selection for the All Blacks‘ 2-0 series victory over the Red Rose, Williams is determined to make the most of his opportunity against Fiji.
“I’m lucky enough to get a chance on Friday, so it’s been building, and I’m looking forward to it,” he added.
Meanwhile, another injury plagued Crusaders and All Blacks star, back-row Ethan Blackadder, echoed Williams’ sentiments after a frustrating Test career which saw him last making a start for his country in 2021.
‘Plenty of frustrations’
“There have been plenty of frustrations along the road, but the ambition and desire to keep trying to get back into this environment keeps me going,” Blackadder said.
“I had a lot of help with my rehab on the way, so I appreciate it and am grateful.
“I’m excited to have a game of footy and it happens to be for the All Blacks so that makes it an even more special moment. I’ve put all that stuff behind what’s happened this year and have focused on where my feet are, and the now.”
Blackadder said that although there are several new players in the All Blacks’ squad for the Test against Fiji, he expects them to deliver the goods in the international arena.
“We’ve made sure we’ve had an edge this week and we’re preparing for a tough, tough game,” he added.
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