All Blacks: SBW named to start

Sonny Bill Williams takes part in All Blacks' training in London. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams' meteoric rise to the All Blacks test team was hardly an exclusive talking point when Graham Henry unveiled an experimental side for Sunday's (NZT) Grand Slam opener against England at Twickenham.

England's midfield might privately be pensive at the prospect of containing back play's next big thing - the 212kg dynamic duo of Williams and Ma'a Nonu.

But there should be sideways glances, too, when New Zealanders scrutinise a 22-man squad entrusted with retaining the Hillary Shield - the sterling silver trophy commemorating the conqueror of Everest.

Starting the talented yet unproven Williams contained an element of risk, as his only start at centre has been against Otago.

If Williams doesn't work out, specialist centre Conrad Smith is not on the bench to do a fix up job, leaving Isaia Toeava - an unconvincing performer against Australia last weekend - as the alternative.

Jimmy Cowan's demotion to the stands could also constitute a gamble, given the combative halfback seems custom built to counter a cynical English side destined to live on the edge around the fringes.

Alby Mathewson was instead honoured with the first start of his brief test career and Andy Ellis - on tour thanks only to the injured Piri Weepu - added zip rather than defensive starch via the bench.

Toeava was not the only reserve with a point to prove after aiding the Wallabies' resurgence in Hong Kong; Stephen Donald will be grateful for any opportunity to atone for his final quarter meltdown as Daniel Carter's No 10 understudy.

Henry has reconfigured his forward reserves.

Sam Whitelock will run on for the first time in his debut season at Tom Donnelly's expense, Anthony Boric took over as second row back-up while Richie McCaw's deputy Daniel Braid has been supplanted by Liam Messam's ability to cover each loose forward role.

Ben Franks replaced John Afoa as propping cover, while hooker Hika Elliot was on the bench.

Elliot's time may be running out for a first test cap as Keven Mealamu will start at hooker at Twickenham - he went the distance against Australia - and Andrew Hore is scheduled for game time against Scotland next weekend.

One enforced change was necessary after the 26-24 defeat to the Wallabies - Cory Jane's bruised ribs opening a wing slot for Delhi Commonwealth Games sevens gold medallist Hosea Gear.

A prolific try-scorer for Wellington and the Hurricanes, Gear made his debut in the inaugural Hong Kong Bledisloe in 2008 and had to wait to September last year for a second cap, against the Wallabies in Wellington.

The 26-year-old missed the 2009 end of year tour when the selectors favoured Zac Guildford and Ben Smith but a compelling Super 14 and subsequent starring role for the New Zealand Maori justified his recall.

Meanwhile, Williams needed just seven games for Canterbury before joining Karl Ifwersen, a double international in the 1920s, as the only Kiwi to switch codes and then represent the All Blacks.

Naturally, Ifwersen's career change never attracted the same level of interest as Williams, leading All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen to urge restraint when his debut was dissected.

"It's going to be a big test for him, this is a different level of rugby to what he's used to.

"Sometimes it takes a bit of time, I don't think we can be too critical," he said.

"We've just got to ease him into it. We know he's a great athlete and he's got some special qualities.

"One of those is his attitude. He's a pretty humble young man, his feet are firmly on the floor."

Hansen was then asked how, as a former representative centre, he would keep Williams imposing frame firmly on the ground?

"Aw shit, I never would have been good enough," he admitted.

"You'd have to take a team approach; he's six foot four, a big explosive athlete.

"His time in league has given him that ability to be able to keep the ball alive. He's got hands on him like ham sandwiches, he can hang on to the ball in one hand... I think you're going to need someone high and someone low."

All Blacks to play England:

Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Daniel Carter, Alby Mathewson, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Liam Messam, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.

- NZPA, NZ Herald staff