Rugby: Sonny Bill has 'target on his head' - Tahu

Wallaby centre Timana Tahu says Sonny Bill Williams would struggle to make the All Blacks backline. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Fellow rugby league convert Timana Tahu says Sonny Bill Williams will have a target on him when he trots out for the Barbarians on Saturday night.

The double Kangaroos and Wallabies international was hopeful of being picked in coach Robbie Deans' 22 to be announced today, but admitted all the heat was on Williams in his first big rugby match in Australia.

"I think everyone wants to have a crack at Sonny Bill," Tahu said with a chuckle today.

"All the press sees that, and he's put a target on his forehead, the big fella.

"He's a big boy and it's a big challenge for him more than it is for us, to prove to himself that he can play against the best which he'll be coming up against this week.

"If I get the chance I'll just be another bloke trying to get at him."

Williams joined his Barbarians teammates for the first time in Sydney today after they arrived on the early morning flight from London where they beat England 33-26 at Twickenham.

Coach Dai Young, the former Wales and Lions prop, was unsure where Williams would slot in, but it seemed most likely he would oppose Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock in his preferred position of centre.

The 23-man Barbarians squad is New Zealand-dominated, with Williams joining All Blacks Justin Marshall, Luke McAlister, Jerry Collins, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Clarke Dermody and Ben Blair, along with European-based Glen Jackson and Paul Tito.

McAlister, who hopes to return to the All Blacks later this year, would play either first or second five-eighth, fitness permitting, Young said.

He would still require a fitness test after he missed the England game due to hamstring and knee problems.

Tahu, who cracked the Wallabies team in the midfield last year after a split from Parramatta, said he would watch Williams' transition with interest.

"I saw a little bit of him on TV. In French rugby they play a lot of games so his knowledge of the game is getting up to scratch," Tahu said.

"We play a different style to the northern hemisphere teams so it'll be a big challenge for him... (but) it'll probably suit his game because in Australia and New Zealand we've got more of a running game mentality. As a back, it does suit a league-based game."

Tahu preferred centre, and felt it was easier defensively to adjust to than second five-eighth, who had to deal with criss-crosses and changes of direction.

He felt Williams would find it difficult to make the All Blacks in the midfield in coming years.

"That All Blacks backline is electrifying; they've got (Richard) Kahui and (Conrad) Smith, they're great 13s, both big and they can use the ball.

"Especially Kahui, he's been the in-form 13 in New Zealand. As a backline it would be hard to get in there, but I'm not a selector.

"I've been watching a few of the Chiefs' games and Kahui's been playing very well. Tall, big, strong, good footwork and ball skills. He's a very dangerous player and he's one guy in the All Blacks backline you'd look out for."

The Wallabies name their team today, and the Barbarians name theirs on Wednesday.

- NZPA