Sonny Bill Williams consoles Jesse Kriel of South Africa following the semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa. Photo / Getty Images
Sonny Bill Williams consoles Jesse Kriel of South Africa following the semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa. Photo / Getty Images
Sonny Bill Williams cut a frustrated figure at the last Rugby World Cup.
He was a bench player but the only impact of note was a yellow card in the win over Australia, for a shoulder charge on Quade Cooper, which sent the All Blacks to the final.
There wastalk of dissension within the SBW camp about his place in the pecking order and the strange business of the star mid-fielder missing the eventual victory parade.
Fast forward four years and the picture could not be more different.
He's older, wiser, a husband and a father - and making a huge contribution as a "finisher" at the business end of games.
When Williams replaced Ma'a Nonu in the 51st minute, Beauden Barrett had just scored for the All Blacks to reclaim the lead 15-12.
The result was in the balance for the rest of match, an arm wrestle in the rain, where Williams' presence in attack and defence was crucial in winning the micro-battles.
With his first touch of the ball, he broke the Springboks' line to create some breathing space for the All Blacks. There was a huge hit - this time with more than just the shoulder - and of course the trademark offloads.
Jesse Kriel of South Africa is helped up by Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images
To top it off, there was the class act of consoling a devastated Jesse Kriel shortly after the All Blacks triumphed 18-20.
Afterwards, Williams said the match could have gone "either way".
"We could have been sitting on the ground there knowing that four years of hard work is over.
"Between the two countries, there's a massive rivalry but off the field there's nothing but respect...You can't really console them, say things to make them happy. But it could have been us."
The 30-year-old has also embraced his role as an impact player.
Jesse Kriel of South Africa is consoled by Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images
"Every player in our squad wants to start. But when you don't get that, you've got to prepare the boys [who are starting] as well as you can. When you get your time, you've got to get out there and go as hard as you can," said Williams.
"We've got four world class midfielders in those roles. Whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench, we just do as well as we can. We're lucky in that sense."
Whether he's starting or coming off the bench in the final at Twickenham next weekend, Williams said he is feeling in the best shape - mentally and physically - since he made his debut for the All Blacks in 2010.
"I know what I bring to the game. Confidence is not an issue," said Williams.
"We're in the big show now and hopefully we can go all the way."
