Rugby: The Sonny Bill Show set to debut

'It will be 29 blokes plus SBW for the end-of-year tour with the All Blacks'. Photo / Simon Baker

High profile Canterbury signing Sonny Bill Williams is set to make his long-awaited debut in New Zealand rugby when he lines up for Belfast in Christchurch club rugby on Saturday.

That circus could be a distraction of sorts for All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith to deal with ahead of Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup test in the city.

Smith says he's keen to head out to the club match and have a look. He says they've got a walk through at 2.30pm so he may pop out for the second half.

Meanwhile, Canterbury coach Rob Penney hasn't ruled out calling Williams into his injury-riddled side for tomorrow night's ITM Cup match against Manawatu in Palmerston North.

- NEWSTALK ZB