Rugby: Defence and attitude key, says Williams

Ali Williams. Photo / Dean Purcell

The Blues and the Waratahs are both suffering. Neither were at all sharp last week and one will be even more despondent after Friday's Super 14 meeting at Eden Park.

Defeat for the Blues would send them into a bye week in a scratchy mood, while a third-straight defeat for the Tahs would raise the clamour for coaching and playing changes across the Ditch.

The hosts have an extra incentive to correct their mishaps as this clash marks the 100th game of Super rugby for captain Keven Mealamu, whose long Blues career was broken by a season with the Chiefs.

Senior Blues lock Ali Williams is working hard to ensure the night is one of celebration for his skipper and team-mates rather than a repeat of the mournful trip home last week after being belted by the Chiefs.

This is not, he emphasises, the time for the Blues to record a first home defeat to the Waratahs.

Defence and attitude are high on the Blues' fix-it list after they leaked nine tries last week. They have scored the most tries in the competition (23) but have also conceded the most (26), while the Waratahs have scored 12 and yielded 10.

"We have worked really hard on our defensive structure and building trust on our mates," Williams said.

"When teams have been settled for five or six years that becomes second nature but when faces are a bit different like we have this season, it takes a bit longer.

"Then there are all the other things like being in the right mental state to play rugby and I know, when I look back through my records, it took me about four years to get comfortable about how I should prepare myself to play. It is my biggest challenge and everyone's challenge to produce good rugby on a regular basis."

Williams has returned to the Blues after a season with the Crusaders and is planning further travels to the United States next year as part of a sabbatical deal he is working through with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

"I am looking at it more as a refresher, I just want a few months off," he said. "I do not want to have the whole Super 14 off because I want to play for the All Blacks. That is why I am here and do what I do.

"It is a juggling act: taking a few months out or finishing a few years short in my career. I love New Zealand and I want to stay here. I really enjoy the rugby in New Zealand but I have to do something to be able to prolong that. I will be doing a bit of work and a bit of holidaying. Rugby does not last forever so you have to get yourself prepped up for life outside the sport too."

After the hammering in Hamilton last round, Williams said the Blues had no alternative but to front up to their issues.

"I always think it helps to talk about where we think we are vulnerable, where we need help and do that amongst the players. Then the challenge is dumping it and moving on. We have talked about it, that it was not acceptable, and we are now into it."

Williams will offer a public face on those issues tonight when he chats about his life and answers questions about the Blues and his career in a Radio Sport debut.

Coach Pat Lam will name his side today with few alterations from that which succumbed against the Chiefs.

Flanker Justin Collins is battling a hamstring injury from the weekend while loosehead prop Tony Woodcock has not reappeared at training after the ear infection he sustained 10 days ago.

The Blues will face a strong set-piece inquisition from the Waratahs, who also boast a very tight defensive line. They select their side today amidst a growing clamour for changes in the misfiring backline.

Legendary Wallaby midfielder Tim Horan has called for Sam Norton-Knight to be moved to five-eighths and Kurtley Beale to fullback in a bid to boost the side's attacking clout.

He believes Beale is too individual and Norton-Knight is a better playmaker.

Captain Phil Waugh is struggling with an Achilles tendon problem but is tipped to make the trip across the Tasman.