KEY POINTS:
Everyone in rugby talks of their journey. No one in the last five years has embarked on a more fascinating one than Ali Williams. Even the man himself is a little surprised at where he now is, especially considering where he was 15 months ago.
Williams is now an All Black leader - one of five players trusted with guiding on-field performance and having in-put into training and guiding others.
He's more than that, though. He's now a national treasure, the kind of bloke who can no longer get injured without there being widespread gnashing of teeth.
In part, that is due to the lack of depth besieging New Zealand at lock. But he now makes hearts leap every time he hits the deck because he's become an inspirational force in this All Black side.
In Wellington against the Springboks, he was the rock on which the performance was built. Kickoffs were sucked into his giant mitts. The lineout stayed the course and it was only because Williams was so commanding in the basic components of his duties, that Brad Thorn could rampage the way he did.
That Williams has grown into a world class player is not a major surprise. His talent has always shone through. He has the physique, the athleticism, the aggression and the skills - that much has always been apparent.
But there was always uncertainty about his long-term goal - whether he was more interested in amusing the troops than fulfilling his potential.
When he was sent home from South Africa in April last year it seemed that the former was his preferred destiny.
Williams and Blues coach David Nucifora wouldn't have had much to say to each other if they were ever stuck in a lift. Tensions increased when Williams returned from the reconditioning programme and couldn't crack the starting team.
It was hugely frustrating for the 27-year-old. It was World Cup year and he was all buffed up with nowhere to play.
By his own admission he stepped out of line off the field and the senior players agreed he had to be flown back to Auckland. As he wandered through Auckland Airport on his return, TV cameras in his face, he couldn't have looked less like a future All Black leader.
His elevation to the leadership group is reward for the consistency of his performances and his conviction that he can inspire through his on-field example.
"The best way to lead is by on the field," he said. "If you are not pulling your weight on the field, then what you try to suggest off the field has no legs to it. You have got to look at yourself and lead by actions."
Williams and leadership feel like unlikely bedfellows and he admits that his current role was one to which he never aspired.
When he first made the All Blacks in 2002, he didn't spy a pathway that would take him to positions of responsibility.
"I thought I would play as long as I can and enjoy it and feel that challenge inside myself and go with it for as long as I could," said Williams of his attitude.
"I never sat down the front of the bus thinking that I want to get to the back of the bus."
Now that he is there, he's loving it. The lack of expectation he would ever get there is adding to the enjoyment as is the challenge of changing perceptions around the country.
Rugby in crisis is a popular theme and one that has stoked fires within Williams.
"Every year, there are different things I enjoy about it. I have thoroughly enjoyed trying to turn around the negativity towards the national game. I think it is just media activity. I think the people love New Zealand and the All Blacks and I have enjoyed that challenge of turning round that negative perception."
So he's a former rebel with a cause these days and that has made him invaluable to the All Blacks.
