All Blacks midfield duo Sonny Bill Williams and Jack Goodhue: Ready to show they can gel in big test against South Africa

Sonny Bill Williams and Jack Goodhue will start in the midfield against the Springboks. Photo /Getty

It's fair to say the relatively new All Blacks midfield combination of Sonny Bill Williams and Jack Goodhue are getting along well off the field. They just need to prove they can gel on the field when they face the Springboks in Pretoria on Sunday.

Centre Goodhue was yesterday named to play his sixth All Blacks test this weekend, the second time he'll start alongside the 48-test veteran Williams in the midfield. The last time they were paired up was on Goodhue's test debut against France in June.

Sunday's clash is similarly a dead-rubber test but has a lot more riding on it following South Africa's shock win in Wellington the last time the two sides met.

Williams has a lot of positives to say about his midfield partner who may be lacking confidence off the field, which the two-time World Cup winner is working on.

"Besides his looks?, Williams quipped.

"He's just a cool, calm, collective player. He does the simple things really well and he's just very strong defensively with a bit of flair in his attack as well. Looking forward to suiting up alongside him.

Asked whether the Goodhue matched his name by producing 'good chat', Williams suggested it was a work-on for the young Northland centre.

"On the field? Yes. Off the field? Questionable," joked Williams.

"I do my best," Goodhue responded.

"Obviously Sonny's an intimidating guy but I feel I've come a long way in the chat perspective. Sonny's taken me under his wing with all that and I appreciate all the help and hopefully if we continue this relationship.."

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"Do you want to tell them about the book you just finished, The Best Pick-Up Lines," Williams interjected.

"The one you gave me?" Goodhue added.

"Next question," Williams joked.

"Jack's a good man. We love having a laugh but we love being serious as well. We're just looking forward to the big challenge this weekend."

What they face is a blockbusting Springboks centre combination of Jesse Kriel and a returning Damian de Allende who missed last week's win over Argentina with a shoulder injury.

"South Africa's always been a threat and they're playing with real confidence at the moment," Williams added.

"It's going to be a real test match on Saturday. They're confident. We're coming into their home turf and they want to perform well, we want to perform well. I'm just like the rest of the boys. Excited to get out there and feel that pressure, be in that environment because it's a true test match."

All Blacks team to play South Africa at Loftus Versfeld at 4.05am on Sunday:

15. Ben Smith
14. Waisake Naholo
13. Jack Goodhue
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith
8. Kieran Read (c)
7. Sam Cane
6. Shannon Frizell
5. Scott Barrett
4. Sam Whitelock
3. Owen Franks
2. Codie Taylor
1. Karl Tu'inukuafe

Reserves: Nathan Harris, Tim Perry, Ofa Tuungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Richie Mo'unga, Ryan Crotty.