Fullback at full tilt has 'best feet in the game'

Tim Nanai-Williams. Photo / Christine Cornege

A decade ago, Tim Nanai-Williams' talent burned brightly enough to interest a variety of rugby scouts.

He was picked to replace an injured Israel Dagg in the New Zealand Secondary schools side and was also chosen for the original rugby academy set up in the Counties Manukau area.

Former rep player Andrew Talaimanu established that group and will take extra interest tomorrow when Nanai-Williams and Dagg square off at fullback as part of the historic test match between Samoa and the All Blacks.

"In those early days Tim was unpredictable, great on his feet and while he was smaller he was very strong and had a good boot on him," Talaimanu recalls.

"Not a lot has changed."

Nanai-Williams starred for Manurewa High School as they went through 2006 undefeated and his speed and evasion made him the most dangerous attacker in the side.

"Sevens then helped shape his play and he will be a very important player for Samoa in that he will bring them the discipline which he has learned through his time with the Chiefs," Talaimanu says.

"None of that discipline has hindered his rugby ability.

"He has probably got the best feet in rugby, has good pace and playing fullback will give him more range for his skills."

This test at Apia Park will also involve All Blacks Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty who were Nanai-Williams' teammates in the 2006 NZ Secondary Schools squad alongside Samoa's Ken Pisi, Wallaby Michael Harris and the Highlanders victorious captain Nasi Manu.

The connections continue on the coaching level where Samoa will be getting special tuition from Tom Coventry and Andrew Strawbridge through until the end of their World Cup campaign.

"Coventry is a smart coach and he understands how teams need to approach these high-intensity games," Talaimanu says.

"They'll be making sure they get their defence sorted because they do not need to get caught out from turnover ball.

"In saying that though, the All Blacks might feel the pinch up there. At kickoff time it's been 33 degrees this week and they have only got two days to acclimatise and that will be a huge factor. They're likely to lose weight singing the national anthems.

"I was up there about this time last year and it was hot, just like walking into a sauna. It will also be a hostile environment at the park. "

The experience and leadership skills Nanai-Williams has brought to the Chiefs will be a strong commodity for Samoa as they battle the heat, themselves and the All Blacks.

Nanai-Williams is listed at 1.81m and 87kg but he is more like 1.77m and 94kg which is still smaller than most backs on the field. However, Coventry and the Samoan selectors believe his organisation and attack will be more benefit than his bigger Counties teammate Ahsee Tuala.

"Tim would get in most international teams where he can play fullback, wing or cover centre where he has also filled in for the Chiefs," Talaimanu says.

"One on one defence against big players like [unavailable] Julian Savea can be an issue but it is for most wings. Tim is tough, he can take plenty and he's shown that throughout his career."