Springboks: Grant Williams opens up on return to action after ‘frustrating’ period
Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams scores a try against Italy.
Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams couldn’t hide his delight after making his long-awaited return to action in the world champions’ 45-0 victory over Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Williams has been out of action for nearly three months due to a cracked vertebra in his neck but hit the ground running in his comeback match as he was one of the Boks’ star performers against the Azzurri.
Combined brilliantly with Manie Libbok
The 28-year-old hit the ground running as he combined brilliantly with his half-back partner, Manie Libbok, with the Boks‘ attack proving a real handful to Italy’s defence as they scored seven tries against their hapless opponents.
Williams started the rout by crossing for the opening five-pointer in the ninth minute and continued to impress on attack during a 57-minute stint on the field.
Apart from Williams’ comeback from injury, the match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was a momentous occasion for the Boks’ veteran full-back Willie le Roux, who was making his 100th appearance for his country, and for Test debutants Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, and Ethan Hooker.
However, Williams was one of the Boks’ star performers in his first game back after his lengthy stint on the sidelines although he made a forthright admission about his return to action.
“I wish I could have played for the Sharks first,” he said. “There was a bit of nerves this week after a frustrating three months, but I’m happy we got the win and personally to be able to play again.
“There was obviously a little rust, but I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks.”
Williams then revealed he settled quickly and the early nerves wore off after he crossed for his try.
“I think I was calm after that. It was great to score a try, even though it was Willie’s try that I took,” he said jokingly.
‘I’m happy for the team and about the result’
“My mindset last week was all about getting on the field and ensuring that I nail I the detail, but I’m happy for the team and about the result.”
When asked what made his half-back partnership with Libbok seem so seamless and natural, Williams said he enjoyed playing with all the fly-halves in the Springboks squad.
“It’s not just like that with Manie,” said Williams. “It’s the same with Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu), Handre (Pollard), Manie and Damian (Willemse). There’s a plan for every game, and this week the strategy was to try a few things, and it worked.
“It’s always special to play with Manie. We have a great relationship, but at the same time, it doesn’t matter who I play alongside.”
Midway through the opening half the Boks were reduced to 14 players when Jasper Wiese was red carded for foul play.
That was the only blip on their performance but Williams revealed that it was not too big a challenge for them to conquer.
“It’s always difficult to get a red card, but if you know coach Rassie (Erasmus), there’s always a plan, so we were well prepared for a card, which happened to be the case in the match.”
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