Rugby: SBW deserves special treatment - Blackadder

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder believes Sonny Bill Williams should get the same treatment from the New Zealand Rugby Union as Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.

Williams has recovered from a knock to the knee and is set to return to the side for Sunday's showdown with the Reds in Brisbane.

Blackadder told Radio Sport he's in the same league as McCaw and Carter in his importance to New Zealand Rugby.

"I think he's just as important to be honest. He's just been inspirational. He's played some fantastic rugby for the Crusaders and when you look at just how important he is for the World Cup and beyond I just think he's one of those players that is just getting better and better, strength to strength and he's a role model," Blackadder said.

"He's a little different because we're talking about him and his boxing so he creates a lot of interest but he's one of those guys who has x-factor all over him and he can just create and do things that other guys just can't do.

"It's absolutely critical that the NZRU re-signs him and he stays with New Zealand rugby for another couple of years."

Blackadder said allowing Williams to organise a few boxing bouts a year would be a good trade-off to keep him playing rugby in New Zealand.

"This is where the boxing comes in and supplements his income. I think when Steve Tew (NZRU CEO) talked about Daniel Carter having flexible a contract, this is just a creative way to keep him in New Zealand rugby.

"For the sake of one boxing fight or two boxing fights a year, I think it's a great trade off to keep him in New Zealand. It's just common sense. It's better to do that than say 'we can't afford him' and then he goes overseas and plays his rugby in Europe."

Williams, who played two tests during the All Blacks Grand Slam tour last year, is set to take part in his fourth professional boxing bout on June 5 during the Crusaders' bye week when he'll fight Tongan Alipate Liava'a.

Blackadder said it wasn't his decision to pull Williams from the fight if his knee injury remained an problem leading up to the bout.

"That would have to come down to Sonny Bill and his management team. This is basically something within the contract that is something he's allowed to do. Obviously he'd never put himself at risk. The boxing will go ahead as long as he is fit but I sure that would just be common sense."

- HERALD ONLINE/NEWSTALK ZB