Ali grabs a leading role

Only a year ago, the All Blacks set off on their end-of-season tour hoping to solve their locking crises.

They were trying to find the right personnel to make the All Black lineout a source of possession rather than a source of amusement.

The crazy thing was that the country which produced Colin Meads didn't appear to have two decent locks to rub together. They had only Chris Jack and, on his lonesome, he couldn't deliver the proficiency the All Blacks demanded at lineout.

Now, two years out from the World Cup, they have three test-quality locks, a very promising newcomer in Jason Eaton, while waiting in the wings are Greg Rawlinson and Troy Flavell.

It's a classic rags to riches story and one in which there has been a most unlikely lead character - Ali Williams. When the time comes for Graham Henry's coaching reign to be fully assessed, various decisions will be heralded as key to his success.

Undoubtedly switching Daniel Carter to first five-eighths has had a dramatic impact. The decision to restrict players from playing three tests in three weeks will no doubt become common practice in other countries. But the naming of Williams in the 2004 end-of-season tour party, when he appeared out of form and was short of game time, should sit as the smartest move of all.

In the space of a year, Williams has stopped dabbling in acts of lunacy [like trampling Richie McCaw] and this morning he ran on to the hallowed turf of Twickenham as a valued, trusted and vital member of the All Black pack.

So much attention has been lavished on the renaissance of the All Blacks' scrummaging that it has almost been forgotten that their lineout has arguably been the bigger improver in the last couple of years.

Not so long ago the All Black lineout was causing great mirth. The most revered team in the world, with all day to practice, inspired no great confidence that, if they threw the ball in, they would be taking the ball out.

Opponents knew if they attacked the All Blacks in the air, they would get some mileage. To make matters worse, Anton Oliver's much-publicised throwing problems now seemingly a thing of the past - led to the Australian crack: "Who will Anton Oliver throw the ball to now [John] Eales has retired?"

It's all so different now - as the Lions can testify. In the first test in Christchurch, Williams and Jack put the pressure on and caused the Lions' lineout to degenerate.

No other opponent has folded in such an absolute way but Williams hasn't let his standards slip since that game in Christchurch. In fact, there is almost a sense that he has usurped Jack in terms of influence and impact.

It is scarcely believable and Williams himself can't begin to accurately gauge how far he has come in every sense since making his debut at Twickenham in 2002.

Three years ago he ran on to the hallowed turf as a beanpole 21-year-old. "Physically there's a big difference to where I was then and where I am now," said Williams. "I have put on a lot more size and my body is more hardened to the knocks.

"But a lot of it is due to the mental side of things. I'm a lot more relaxed as a person leading up to the game. The difference when I'm playing is that I'm more composed and there is more logic in my thinking.

"I've matured from the level I was at as a person in 2002. I suppose I choose my time and place better."

The improvement of Williams and the improvement in the All Black lineout are interminably linked. That is why All Black management knew they had to persist with Williams when everyone else thought he should be left in the basket he seemed so happy to be wasting in.

The lineout remains a more influential set piece than the scrum. It affords a genuine opportunity to win possession and it can destroy a side if they don't feel confident about winning lineout ball on their own throw.

Williams and Jack are capable of putting that doubt in opponents' minds and Williams is loving the fact he is now operating with a burden of expectation.

"I suppose I enjoy responsibility," he said. "I've always loved the challenge of showing people they should hold you in the highest regard. There are so many senior guys leading this team, the best way I can contribute is to be mentally and physically right and focus on my job. If I worry about other stuff, she'll go pear-shaped."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY